Patent Associate Attorney

Job Overview: A law firm in East Brunswick, NJ, is seeking a skilled Patent Associate Attorney with experience in drafting and prosecuting US and international patent applications, particularly in mechanical arts, with exposure to electrical and software technologies.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute US and international patent applications in the mechanical arts, with some involvement in electrical and software technologies.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on patent portfolio development and management.
• Communicate with clients and foreign associates regarding patent matters.
• Conduct IP due diligence supporting mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to a State Bar (preferably New Jersey or eligibility for admission by waiver).
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• 2-4 years of experience in patent prosecution, particularly in mechanical arts.
• Experience with electrical and software technologies is desirable.
• Superior academic credentials.

Skills:

• Excellent writing and drafting skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Registration as a patent attorney before the USPTO.

This firm has given a lot of thought to the interplay between the New York and the New Jersey legal markets. Although one of the oldest and largest in New Jersey, this firm wants to capture the Manhattan type work at Manhattan type billing rates. Although they are not quite there yet, this firm has developed a structure that enables it to base the bulk of its personnel and resources in New Jersey, and have a small New York space from which to handle the 'big city' work. An interesting plan, to be sure. Associates here raves about the reasonable hours and the immediate responsibility, many of whom deal directly with clients and handle entire cases. This is one of the few New Jersey firms where you will see the reverse commute--attorneys leaving Manhattan to take advantage of pleasant work environment and excellent training ground.