Mid-level Intellectual Property Associate Life Sciences

A law firm seeks a midlevel associate to join its Intellectual Property team in Palo Alto, CA, specializing in life sciences and biotechnology. The ideal candidate will have 1-5 years of experience in patent prosecution, particularly in the biotechnology sector, along with an advanced degree in a related life sciences field (preferably a Ph.D.). This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge patent matters within the life sciences space and build a strong foundation in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

Duties:

• Lead patent prosecution efforts, including drafting and filing patent applications related to biotechnology innovations
• Manage patent portfolios for clients in the life sciences industry
• Conduct patentability assessments, freedom-to-operate analyses, and due diligence
• Respond to office actions and correspond with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Provide strategic advice on patent protection, infringement risks, and patent litigation avoidance
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address complex legal and technical issues
• Engage with clients to ensure the alignment of IP strategies with their business goals
• Contribute to the firm’s thought leadership by writing articles or presenting on patent law developments in the life sciences

Requirements:

• 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience, particularly in biotechnology or life sciences technologies
• A Ph.D. in a life sciences-related field (preferred) or equivalent advanced degree
• Active membership in the USPTO (Patent Bar) and the California State Bar
• Ability to pass the Patent Bar exam within the first 12 months of employment (if not already registered)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into understandable language
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and clients with competing deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative environment

Education:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a life sciences-related field

Certifications:

• USPTO Patent Bar Registration is required
• Active California Bar membership preferred

Skills:

• Deep understanding of patent prosecution processes, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences
• Proficiency in preparing and filing patent applications, responding to office actions, and managing patent portfolios
• Expertise in life sciences technologies and their commercial applications
• Strong research, writing, and drafting skills
• Excellent client communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently

Benefits:

• Competitive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan with firm contributions
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, personal days) and 9 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks) and pregnancy disability leave
• Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, and commuter benefits
• Professional development support, including continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities
• Work-life balance initiatives, including childcare assistance and wellness programs

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking team that focuses on life sciences intellectual property. If you're looking to advance your career while working on challenging and impactful patent matters in biotechnology, we encourage you to apply.

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.