Patent Associate Attorney

Job Overview: A law firm seeks a talented Patent Associate Attorney to join its team in Philadelphia, PA. The ideal candidate will have 2-4 years of experience drafting and prosecuting US and international patent applications, particularly in the mechanical arts, with exposure to electrical and software technologies. Superior academic credentials and admission to a State Bar are required, with preference for candidates registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute US and international patent applications for mechanical arts, and, to a lesser extent, electrical and software technologies.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Provide strategic IP counseling to clients.
• Assist in patent portfolio management and strategy.
• Collaborate with clients and inventors to understand invention disclosures.
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze technical documents.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a State Bar (preferably Pennsylvania or eligible for admission without examination).
• Registered to practice before the USPTO (preferred).
• 2-4 years of experience in patent prosecution.
• Experience drafting patent applications in mechanical arts; familiarity with electrical and software technologies.
• Superior academic credentials.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and legal research databases.

Certifications:

• Admission to a State Bar (required).
• Registration to practice before the USPTO (preferred).

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 raves 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.