Mid-level Intellectual Property - Life Sciences Associate

Job Overview
A leading law firm is seeking a midlevel associate with 1 to 5 years of patent prosecution experience in biotechnology to join its intellectual property team. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in a life sciences technology area and a strong foundation in patent prosecution. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to high-quality legal work in patent prosecution while developing expertise in life sciences-related intellectual property matters. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to grow their practice in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Duties

• Manage patent prosecution for biotechnology clients, including preparing and filing patent applications
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity opinions
• Assist clients with life sciences-related intellectual property matters, including portfolio management and strategic advice
• Participate in inter partes review (IPR) and other post-grant proceedings
• Collaborate with other practice groups to provide integrated solutions for clients
• Support clients in IP litigation and enforcement matters
• Maintain and build client relationships by providing high-level legal advice

Requirements

• 1 to 5 years of patent prosecution experience in a biotechnology practice
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a life sciences technology area
• Patent bar membership (USPTO Registration Number) is required
• Ability to pass the patent bar exam within the first 12 months of employment, if not already registered
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and client management skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Education

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

Certifications

• USPTO Registration Number (Patent Bar Membership) required

Skills

• Patent prosecution experience, particularly in biotechnology
• Strong legal research and writing abilities
• Knowledge of life sciences technologies and intellectual property law
• Ability to manage complex patent portfolios
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Client-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, parental leave)
• Continuing education and professional development support

This is one of the top law firms in the country to work forin its huge Philadelphia office, this firm draws rave reviews. Although much more a large firm atmosphere than most of the East Coast (non-New York) based firms, this firm has one of the most exciting full service practices around. However, it is not easy to get in with this fairly elite group of attorneys--they are very picky about their candidates. The culture here is fairly competitive--although the partners take care of their own, this is a group of high powered professionals who are used to acheiving at very high levels--and used to beating out the guy next door. This internal drive will keep associates staying later and later to earn bragging rights on occasion--but it's not as if the work isn't abundant enough to keep you there.