Junior Associate Mechanical & Design Patent Group

Job Overview:

A law firm seeks a Junior Associate to join its Mechanical & Design Group, contributing to the development, protection, and monetization of intellectual property (IP) rights. This position involves working on a variety of IP-related matters, including patent prosecution for both design and utility patents. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for innovation and a strong background in mechanical or related engineering fields. The role offers a hybrid work model, with a preference for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Washington, D.C., although fully remote options may be available for the right individual.

Duties:

• Conduct thorough prior art searches to evaluate the novelty and non-obviousness of utility and/or design patent claims.
• Assist in building and managing patent portfolios for design and utility patents.
• Draft design patent applications focusing on the aesthetic aspects of mechanical inventions.
• Draft utility patent applications emphasizing the novel functional aspects of mechanical technologies.
• Prepare detailed patent specifications, including descriptions, drawings, and claims.
• Respond to patent office actions and participate in patent prosecution proceedings.
• Stay updated on changes in patent law to provide current and effective advice to clients.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction.
• Eligibility to waive into the D.C. Bar or willingness to sit for the D.C. bar exam.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 1 to 4 years of experience in patent prosecution, with flexibility on years of experience.
• Strong academic credentials and a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active law license in a U.S. jurisdiction (must be eligible for D.C. Bar admission).
• Patent attorney registration is preferred (PTO Registration).

Skills:

• Strong legal research and writing abilities.
• Proficiency in drafting patent applications and responding to office actions.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess patentability and craft innovative solutions.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting while managing individual responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions.
• Flexible work schedule (hybrid or fully remote depending on the candidate).
• Paid time off and parental leave.
• Professional development and formal mentoring opportunities.

The corporate law office is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The law firm was formed in 1978. Area of specialization is intellectual property law. More than fifty adept lawyers comprise the firm. A number of their practice disciplines consist of patent prosecution, litigation-appeals, reexamination, licensing and trademark. There are seventeen practice industries such as biotechnology, electronics, consumer products and food science-packaging. The law practice embraces community outreach. As a result, attorneys are hands-on in many community service activities during the year.