Patent Associate Attorney

Job Overview: A law firm specializing in intellectual property law is seeking a motivated Patent Associate Attorney with experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical arts and some exposure to electrical and software technologies.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute US and international patent applications primarily in the mechanical arts, with secondary involvement in electrical and software technologies.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Provide strategic advice to clients regarding patent portfolio management and IP litigation matters.
• Collaborate with inventors, clients, and colleagues to understand inventions and ensure comprehensive patent protection.
• Assist with patent due diligence in corporate transactions.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a State Bar (New Jersey preferred; New York considered) and ideally registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• 2-4 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in a law firm environment.
• Superior academic credentials with a strong emphasis on IP coursework.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in mechanical arts; familiarity with electrical and software technologies is a plus.

Skills:

• Excellent writing and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with clients, colleagues, and inventors.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in conducting patent searches and analyses using relevant databases and software tools.
• Strategic thinking and ability to provide practical legal advice aligned with client objectives.

Certifications:

• Admission to the State Bar (New Jersey or New York).
• Registration to practice before the USPTO is highly desirable.

This firm has given a lot of thought to the interplay between the New York and the New Jersey legal markets. Although one of the oldest and largest in New Jersey, this firm wants to capture the Manhattan type work at Manhattan type billing rates. Although they are not quite there yet, this firm has developed a structure that enables it to base the bulk of its personnel and resources in New Jersey, and have a small New York space from which to handle the 'big city' work. An interesting plan, to be sure. Associates here rave about the reasonable hours and the immediate responsibility, many of whom deal directly with clients and handle entire cases. This is one of the few New Jersey firms where you will see the reverse commute--attorneys leaving Manhattan to take advantage of pleasant work environment and excellent training ground.