Biotechnology IP Associate Attorney

A law firm in Hartford is seeking a Biotechnology IP Associate Attorney with 2-6 years of experience in drafting and prosecuting biotechnology patent applications. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology, or life sciences, with superior academic credentials and strong skills in writing, interpersonal communication, and patent prosecution.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute biotechnology patent applications, including inventions related to biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and life sciences.
• Conduct patentability assessments, prior art searches, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Provide strategic intellectual property counseling to clients in the biotechnology sector.
• Assist in patent portfolio management and development strategies.
• Collaborate with inventors, scientists, and clients to understand technical aspects of inventions and draft patent specifications.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, or Life Sciences.
• 2-6 years of experience specifically in drafting and prosecuting biotechnology patent applications.
• Admission to at least one State Bar (Connecticut Bar preferred) and ideally registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Superior academic credentials with a strong academic record.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience in conducting patentability and prior art searches.

Education and Certifications:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, or Life Sciences.
• Admission to at least one State Bar (Connecticut Bar preferred).
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Proficiency in drafting and prosecuting biotechnology patent applications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.

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.