Candidates are only considered a "patent agent" once they have passed the patent bar exam. This means that the candidate is legally able to draft patent applications on behalf of their clients. Almost all patents involve engineering or science. Thus, the USPTO requires that applicants have a technical or scientific background to take the patent bar exam. This ensures that the patent agent understands the technical language of the patent and can effectively represent the inventor before the USPTO.
Candidates without the patent bar are usually considered "technical advisors." Firms hire technical advisors to help draft patent applications that are especially technical. These technical advisors do not represent inventors before the USPTO. Instead they work under the supervision of patent agents or patent attorneys. Technical advisors may also assist attorneys in patent litigation as experts in their field of study.
In this case, the candidate came to BCG Search with a PhD in hand and one year of experience as a technical advisor with an international law firm. He gained exceptional hands on experience in his year as a technical advisor and had a great relationship with his firm. He and his family desired to relocate to another part of the country, so he decided that it was a great time to move into a patent agent role.
When we first spoke, this candidate had not yet taken the patent bar exam, though he was in the process of preparing for it. Qualified applicants can take the patent bar anytime they feel ready for it. Because of his outstanding educational and professional background, I started working with the candidate immediately, despite the fact that he was not yet a "patent agent." We reached out to firms in his region with strong IP practices who might be interested in an extraordinary PhD patent agent, including firms that did not have active job openings. Some were interested but asked about the patent bar. Specifically, was the candidate qualified to represent clients before the USPTO?
Unfortunately, it was not enough to say the candidate planned to take the patent bar and was studying for it. Firms want to know that candidates have already passed the exam and registered to practice before the USPTO. Why risk the expense of hiring and on boarding a candidate who may not pass the patent bar?
Fortunately, the candidate took and passed the patent bar exam on his first try. I followed up with the firms we had previously reached out to, and some expressed immediate interest in speaking with my candidate. He very quickly received an offer from a top Am Law firm who had not advertised a position for a patent agent with my candidate's technical background. Patent agents with PhDs are very hard to come by, and firms with busy IP practices will move quickly if they see a candidate who can support a sophisticated practice. The firm made my candidate a generous offer that enabled him to work in a busy IP practice in the city of his choice.
A few of take-aways from this case study: 1) Law firms love patent agents with advanced degrees; 2) Patent Agent candidates must be registered to practice before the USPTO; mere intent to take the patent bar is not enough for a firm to consider a candidate for the job; 3) Firms hire strong patent agents opportunistically if the agent's technical background is a good match for the practice.
About Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.
With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.
Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.
Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.
One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.
One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.
Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.
In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.
Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.
In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.
About BCG Attorney Search
BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.
