Patent Associate Engineering

Job Overview:
A leading intellectual property law firm is seeking a Patent Associate with 1–4 years of law firm experience in patent prosecution to join its Patents and Innovations Practice. The ideal candidate will have a technical background in engineering or a related field and a demonstrated interest in life sciences. This is an excellent opportunity to work on high-level patent matters involving cutting-edge technologies, with exposure to a collaborative and supportive legal environment across multiple office locations.

Location:

• Boston, MA

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in engineering and technology-related fields

• Assist clients with the strategic management of intellectual property portfolios

• Conduct freedom-to-operate, patentability, and landscape analyses

• Collaborate with inventors, in-house counsel, and other stakeholders

• Support due diligence projects, including reviews of IP assets in M&A or licensing transactions

• Stay current on legal and technological developments relevant to client industries

Requirements:

• 1–4 years of law firm experience in patent prosecution

• Strong interest or background in life sciences, either academically or through industry experience

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

• Strong interpersonal and client-facing skills

Education:

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school

• Advanced degrees in technical disciplines preferred (but not required)

Certifications:

• Admission to a U.S. state bar

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills:

• Technical background in one or more of the following disciplines:

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

  • Related Engineering or Applied Sciences

• Exceptional writing, research, and analytical skills

• High attention to detail and organization

• Ability to communicate effectively with scientists, clients, and legal professionals

Benefits:

• Discretionary merit bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 access to emotional and behavioral health support and virtual counseling

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees and dependents

• Family-building benefits including IVF, surrogacy, adoption, and egg-freezing

• Paid parental leave

• Parenting concierge services and telemedicine access

• In-home and center-based back-up childcare

• Academic support services including tutoring and college coaching

• Health Savings Accounts (with firm contribution)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Optional insurance offerings including:

  • Long-term care

  • Critical illness

  • Hospitalization

  • Accident

  • ID theft protection

  • Pet insurance

• Medicare consulting services

• Firm-paid CLE, bar review fees, and bar dues

This Vault Law 100 and one of the Best Law Firm in the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital firm boasts cutting-edge clients, pleasant people, and a flexible work/life balance. The firm is a global player with very deep tech roots and has been ranked among the top 10 M&A advisors in the nation. As the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, the firm is appealing to associates for fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment across its attorney ranks, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, career growth, and building leadership and relationship skills with clients and colleagues. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.