Mid-level Intellectual Property - Life Sciences Associate

Job Overview:
A leading law firm is seeking a midlevel associate with 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience in a biotechnology practice to join its Intellectual Property team in Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in a life sciences-related technology area. The associate will work on patent prosecution matters related to life sciences, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, and will have opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and global clients. Membership in the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Number) is required, and candidates must either have passed the exam prior to joining or be willing to take and pass it within their first 12 months of employment.

Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Duties:

• Manage patent prosecution matters in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
• Draft and file patent applications, responses to office actions, and other patent-related documents.
• Collaborate with inventors and clients to develop patent strategies and identify patentable inventions.
• Work on patentability analyses, freedom-to-operate opinions, and patent landscapes.
• Oversee and manage patent portfolios for clients, ensuring protection of intellectual property.
• Coordinate with foreign counsel on international patent filings and prosecution.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and providing strategic advice.
• Work closely with other practice areas, including litigation and corporate teams, on related matters.
• Stay current with developments in patent law, life sciences technologies, and industry trends.

Requirements:

• 1-5 years of experience in patent prosecution, specifically in biotechnology or life sciences.
• Ph.D. in a life sciences technology area is preferred.
• Active membership in the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Number).
• Must be prepared to take and pass the patent bar exam within the first 12 months if not already a member.
• Strong technical background and understanding of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related life sciences fields.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Team player with the ability to work well in a collaborative, client-focused environment.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Ph.D. in a life sciences-related technology field (preferred).
• Strong academic credentials.

Certifications:

• Active membership in the Patent Bar (USPTO Registration Number).
• If not yet registered, must pass the patent bar within the first 12 months of employment.

Skills:

• Expertise in patent prosecution and life sciences technologies.
• Strong understanding of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
• Ability to draft complex patent applications and responses to office actions.
• Knowledge of global patent filing and prosecution processes.
• Excellent research, writing, and client communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility with firm contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Continuing legal education (CLE) and professional development programs.
• Opportunities to work with high-profile clients and cutting-edge life sciences technologies.

One of DC's most powerful firms is this one. Truly an international giant in every sense of the word, business and finance, M&A, labor law and litigation reign supreme here although the IP practice is coming into its own also. Like many other large firms attrition is high at times, but overall the associates here are well-credentialed and well paid. In DC, this firm's litigation section, especially with respect to technology and intellectual property disputes, tops the list in terms of prestige. However, this is one of the few firms that virtually guarantees great work and top-notch training, regardless of the practice area.