Junior Associate needed for Washington office

Job Overview:
A prestigious intellectual property law firm in Washington, D.C., is seeking a Junior Associate to join their Mechanical & Design Group. This is a hybrid position with a competitive salary range, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment. The firm specializes in patent prosecution and offers extensive opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. The ideal candidate will have a background in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related fields, combined with legal expertise in patent prosecution.

Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Duties:

• Conduct comprehensive prior art searches to assess the novelty and non-obviousness of utility and/or design patent claims
• Assist in developing design and utility patent portfolios
• Draft design patent applications, focusing on the aesthetic and ornamental aspects of mechanical inventions
• Draft utility patent applications for mechanical inventions, emphasizing functional and innovative aspects
• Prepare patent specifications, including detailed descriptions, drawings, and claims
• Respond to patent office actions and engage in patent prosecution proceedings
• Stay up to date with changes in patent law and regulations, providing clients with current and accurate advice

Requirements:

• JD and active bar membership in a U.S. jurisdiction
• Must be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or willing to sit for the D.C. bar exam
• 1 to 4 years of experience in patent prosecution, especially in design and utility patents (preferred but flexible)
• Strong academic credentials
• An enterprising spirit and eagerness to build on formal and informal training

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• JD from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Eligible for D.C. Bar or willing to take the bar exam

Skills:

• Experience in patent prosecution for mechanical inventions (preferred)
• Strong technical background in mechanical, biomedical, or aerospace engineering
• Stellar academic credentials
• Excellent research, drafting, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work in a hybrid work environment

Benefits:

• Hybrid work model
• Mentorship and development opportunities
• Collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic work environment
• Potential for remote work arrangements (case-by-case basis)

The corporate law office is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The law firm was formed in 1978. Area of specialization is intellectual property law. More than fifty adept lawyers comprise the firm. A number of their practice disciplines consist of patent prosecution, litigation-appeals, reexamination, licensing and trademark. There are seventeen practice industries such as biotechnology, electronics, consumer products and food science-packaging. The law practice embraces community outreach. As a result, attorneys are hands-on in many community service activities during the year.