Intellectual Property Associate (Chemistry)

Job Overview

An established law firm is seeking an Intellectual Property Associate with a strong scientific foundation in Chemistry to support its Intellectual Property practice group. The ideal candidate will have 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience, ideally with an emphasis on pharmaceutical innovations. This position offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated IP matters within a collaborative legal team focused on innovation and scientific advancement.

Location

• Palo Alto, CA

Duties

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical fields

• Advise clients on patent strategy, portfolio management, and innovation protection

• Respond to Office Actions and maintain communication with the USPTO

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and clearance analyses

• Prepare non-infringement and invalidity opinions

• Provide scientific and technical support for IP litigation as needed

• Assist with IP-related due diligence in licensing and transactional matters

Requirements

• 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution

• Exposure to or focus on pharmaceutical-related patent work preferred

• Familiarity with USPTO procedures and IP strategy development

• Strong legal writing and communication skills

• Authorized to work in the United States

Education

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in one of the following disciplines:

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications

• Licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or eligible to sit for the patent bar

Skills

• Strong technical and scientific acumen with the ability to apply legal analysis

• Skilled in drafting patent applications and navigating patent prosecution processes

• Capable of handling clearance studies, opinion work, and litigation support

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Effective communicator capable of translating complex science into strategic legal advice

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.