Mid-level Intellectual Property - Life Sciences Associate

Job Overview:
A prestigious law firm is seeking a midlevel associate with 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience in the life sciences sector, specifically biotechnology. The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in a relevant life sciences technology area. The role requires active membership in the California State Bar and the USPTO, or the ability to obtain patent bar registration within 12 months of hire. This position offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work in a dynamic team focused on high-impact intellectual property matters.

Location:
Palo Alto, CA

Duties:

• Provide patent prosecution services for biotechnology and life sciences technologies, including drafting and filing patent applications.
• Conduct patentability assessments, patent portfolio management, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Collaborate with clients to develop and protect intellectual property strategies.
• Work on patent litigation matters, including infringement analyses and related support tasks.
• Prepare for and take the patent bar exam, if not already registered.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of biotechnology and patent law developments.
• Foster client relationships and contribute to business development efforts.

Requirements:

• 1-5 years of experience in patent prosecution, particularly in biotechnology or life sciences.
• Advanced degree (preferably Ph.D.) in a life sciences field (e.g., biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.).
• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• Registration with the USPTO (Patent Bar), or the ability to take and pass the patent bar exam within the first 12 months of employment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Advanced degree (preferably Ph.D.) in a life sciences-related field.

Certifications:

• Active membership in the California State Bar.
• USPTO registration (or ability to register within the first 12 months).

Skills:

• Expertise in patent prosecution, specifically in biotechnology and life sciences.
• Strong knowledge of patent laws and regulations, especially related to biotechnology.
• Excellent legal writing and drafting abilities.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and clients.
• Business development acumen and the ability to foster client relationships.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan options (401(k) eligibility).
• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and parental leave.
• Additional benefits and compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
• At-will employment with flexibility for performance-based salary adjustments.

This large law firm opened with a labor and leveraged-leasing practice and quickly built a substantial corporate and litigation practice. Today, the firm focuses its practice on business and finance, investment management, litigation, labor and employment, real estate and environmental issues. Attorneys at the firm enjoy a faily casual, though conservative, environment where partners tend to be collegial and offer excellent formal and informal training programs. In addition to recieving fair market salaries, associates at the firm have the opportunity to participate in award winning pro bono work.