Intellectual Property Associate Attorney

A law firm in Chicago, IL, is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Associate Attorney with a strong background in patent drafting, research, brief writing, and litigation matters. The ideal candidate should possess 2-5 years of relevant experience and hold an Electrical Engineering degree.

Duties:

• Draft patent applications and prosecution-related documents.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Assist with patent and trademark litigation matters, including drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs.
• Conduct legal research on intellectual property issues and provide strategic advice to clients.
• Assist with trademark prosecution and enforcement matters.
• Collaborate with partners and clients on intellectual property portfolio management.
• Provide support on licensing and technology transfer agreements.
• Assist with intellectual property due diligence in corporate transactions.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or its equivalent.
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar or eligibility for admission via reciprocity.
• Admission in (and in good standing with) the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or taking steps to become admitted.
• 2-5 years of experience with intellectual property prosecution and litigation matters, particularly with patent and trademark matters.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Electrical Engineering degree.
• Strong academic credentials.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Admission to the Illinois State Bar.
• Admission in (and in good standing with) the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or taking steps to become admitted.

Skills:

• Patent drafting and prosecution experience.
• Strong research and brief writing skills.
• Knowledge of patent and trademark litigation procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective organization and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and databases.

Here is a premier mid-sized law firm, with sophisticated practice in corporate, labor and employment, and litigation. It has one of the most successful and prestigious intellectual property (including patent prosecution and litigation), M&A, finance/commercial lending and investment services (mutual fund, etc.) practices in the nation. With a couple of offices in the East Coast, and a main office in Chicago, this firm is a powerhouse when it comes to technological and financial and finance matters. Its clients range from Fortune 500 corporations, other private and public companies, startups, banks and other financial institutions, securities brokers and dealers, mutual funds, investment advisers, insurance companies, multi-employer benefit plans, manufacturers, universities, school districts, municipalities, utilities, health care institutions, trade and professional associations, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals. Client contact is early, and you are expected to produce and work hard from the first day. Everyone takes their jobs very seriously, but mentorship and guidance is available for those who seek it. The pay is competitive with the largest law firms in Chicago, and the firm provides merit-based bonuses to avoid strict lock-step compensation. Top grades from top law schools are required. For someone who wants to be a part of an innovative, yet prestigious law firm that has superb reputation and sophisticated practice that rivals the large firms in town, this is your place.