Junior IP, Life Sciences, Associate Attorney

Job Title: Junior IP, Life Sciences Associate Attorney
Location: Houston, TX

Job Overview:

A law firm is seeking a highly motivated Junior Intellectual Property (IP), Life Sciences Associate Attorney to join its growing IP practice group in Houston, TX. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in life sciences patent preparation and prosecution, excellent academic credentials, and proven experience in intellectual property law. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with seasoned attorneys and leading clients in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications in the life sciences field, particularly in areas such as molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, and chemical engineering.
• Conduct thorough patentability analyses, including prior art searches and assessments of potential patent infringement risks.
• Draft responses to Office Actions issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and foreign patent offices.
• Collaborate with clients, inventors, and scientific experts to understand and translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise legal documents.
• Advise clients on intellectual property strategies, including patent portfolio management and IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.
• Provide legal opinions regarding patent validity, infringement, and enforceability.
• Assist in post-grant proceedings, including Inter Partes Review (IPR) and opposition proceedings.
• Stay current with developments in IP law, particularly those related to life sciences and biotechnology.
• Support senior attorneys in preparing for patent litigation cases and other IP-related disputes.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in life sciences patent preparation and prosecution.
• Law degree (J.D.) from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school.
• Active member of the Bar in good standing within the United States.
• Strong academic background with excellent writing and communication skills.

Educational Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in one of the following fields:
  • Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Other related life sciences fields

Preferred Skills and Certifications:

• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registration is strongly preferred.
• Experience with patent litigation, post-grant proceedings, or related IP matters is a plus.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.

Job Location:

• Houston, TX

This AmLaw 100 firm is consistently praised by its associates for offering high caliber, interesting work while still allowing for flexibility in work schedule and respect for its associates. The firm has been consistently on the cutting edge of legal developments, and is a leader in the data privacy and cyber security space. Its associates get top-of-the-market pay and complex work. The atmosphere is friendly and the firm values the career development of its associates, offering great training opportunities and mentorship.