Chemistry IP Associate Attorney

A law firm specializing in intellectual property law is seeking a Chemistry IP Associate Attorney to join its team in Philadelphia, PA. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in chemistry, with a focus on organic chemistry preferred, or significant industrial experience in organic chemistry. This role involves drafting and prosecuting chemistry patent applications, with a preference for candidates experienced in the pharmaceutical industry.

Job Duties:

• Draft and prosecute chemistry patent applications, particularly in the fields of organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Assist in due diligence, patent portfolio management, and intellectual property litigation support.
• Provide strategic advice and counseling on intellectual property matters to clients.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in chemistry, organic chemistry, or related field.
• 2-6 years of experience practicing intellectual property law, specifically in chemistry patents.
• Admission to at least one State Bar in the United States.
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Superior academic credentials and a strong publication record (if applicable).
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in patent prosecution in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Background in organic chemistry with practical application in industry or academia.
• Familiarity with international patent laws and procedures.

Skills:

• Proficiency in drafting patent applications and responses to office actions.
• Ability to conduct patent searches and analyze technical and patent literature.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Education/Certifications:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in chemistry, organic chemistry, or related field.
• Admission to at least one State Bar in the United States.
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (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.