Patent Associate Attorney

A law firm in Grand Rapids is seeking a Patent Associate Attorney with 1-5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in patent preparation and prosecution, particularly in electrical or mechanical domains. This role involves various responsibilities, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications, providing opinions on patentability and clearance, and handling licensing and enforcement matters for a diverse group of clients. The successful candidate should have attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication, the ability to work independently and productively, and a keen interest in advancing their career in IP law.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications in electrical or mechanical domains.
• Provide opinions on patentability and clearance.
• Handle licensing and enforcement matters for a diverse group of clients.
• Communicate effectively with the team and clients.
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to patent matters.
• Collaborate with inventors, clients, and other stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical or electrical engineering desired.
• 1-5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience.
• USPTO registration.
• Must be licensed (or willing and able to become licensed) and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan.

Skills:

• Strong background in patent preparation and prosecution.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and productively.
• Keen interest in advancing a career in IP law.

With four offices in Michigan and over 150 attorneys, this is truly one of the greatest places to work. Concentrating on a broad civil and criminal practices, these attorneys represent a broad spectrum of clients who are industry leaders, both nationally and internationally, including publicly traded companies, privately held companies, financial institutions and foreign corporations. Although founded primarily to serve clients in a corporate capacity, this firm now offers expertise in financial institutions (large practice), IP, employee benefits, litigation, real estate, tax, trusts and estates and health care. This firm is looking for attorneys with top academic credentials and it attracts many candidates who have practiced at major law firms. Associates seem happy here -- perhaps because they are allowed to choose areas of concentration and their average billables are lower than at other comparable firms. Associates love the non-competitive environment here. These attorneys are extremely cooperative with one another and are focused on the growth and development of the firm. The professional development programs here are exceptional. This firm definitely gets our gold star for its high-quality work, great atmosphere and investment in the development of its attorneys.