Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Biological Sciences Associate Attorney

A law firm in Boston, MA, is seeking a Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Biological Sciences Associate Attorney with 1-4 years of experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in biological sciences and experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications. An advanced degree in biological sciences is required, with a Ph.D. preferred. The role involves IP due diligence, freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, and may include litigation and post-grant proceedings. Registration with the USPTO is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to biological sciences.
• Conduct intellectual property due diligence and freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses.
• Provide legal counsel on IP strategy and portfolio management.
• Assist in patent litigation and post-grant proceedings, as needed.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their technological innovations and business objectives.
• Prepare and review IP-related documentation and correspondence.
• Stay current with developments in IP law and biological sciences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, providing exceptional client service.

Requirements:

• 1-4 years of experience in intellectual property law with a focus on biological sciences.
• Strong technical background in biological sciences, with an advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with substantial industry experience considered).
• Experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Experience in IP due diligence and freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses.
• Some litigation and/or post-grant experience is useful.
• Registration with the USPTO is preferred.
• Prior experience with a law firm is helpful.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Advanced degree in biological sciences (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with substantial industry experience considered).

Certifications:

• Admission to the state bar in Massachusetts.
• USPTO registration is preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent academic record.
• Strong technical knowledge in biological sciences.
• Superior organizational and communication skills (both written and oral).
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service.
• Creative and entrepreneurial perspective on intellectual property.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

This large Boston firm has a surprisingly good government and regulatory practice, with the added bonus that their attorneys do not have to split their work with Washington DC lawyers in the same practice. This is a firm made up of well-rounded but most certainly well-pedigreed attorneys who come off unusually polished and professional. Associates here are generally quite satisfied, if not a little put off by what at times can be a bit of a competitive environment, both inside and outside the office. The strengths are that associates generally know whether they are 'on track' to make partner, and work in an environment that is designed with the appropriate mentoring and support staff to help associate development and training along.