Patent Agent needed for Washington, DC office

Job Overview:
A leading law firm is seeking a highly skilled Patent Agent to join its Intellectual Property team. This role will be responsible for preparing patent applications, responding to communications from the USPTO, and assisting attorneys in delivering quality legal services to clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering, with excellent administrative skills and the ability to handle complex client matters. Experience with patent prosecution is preferred but not required. This position is full-time, and it offers a hybrid work model.

Location:

• Washington, D.C.

Duties:

• Prepare draft patent applications, incorporating scientific and technological aspects of inventions.
• Draft responses to communications from U.S. and foreign patent offices on technical and factual matters.
• Engage with clients and inventors to discuss scientific aspects of inventions and provide attorneys with summaries of those discussions.
• Act as a liaison between inventors and the Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) throughout the patent application process.
• Evaluate the technological aspects of inventions and advise attorneys on related technologies.
• Organize, analyze, and summarize patent-related documents.
• Review client files and conduct regulatory and factual research.
• Communicate with clients, vendors, and PTO personnel through email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• Coordinate workflows with external service providers.
• Organize and prioritize tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex patent-related issues.
• Provide guidance to legal support staff on specific issues as needed.
• Stay updated on technology trends and recommend improvements for technology needs.
• Engage in continuing education to stay current with patent prosecution issues and trends.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical and factual information effectively.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks efficiently under time constraints.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels.
• Proficient in drafting patent applications and other legal documents.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to use various software packages and standard office equipment.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in intellectual property and technology.
• Strong investigative skills and ability to conduct regulatory and factual research.
• Ability to facilitate individual and group meetings.
• Flexibility to work overtime, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (preferred).

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (preferred).

Skills:

• Expertise in preparing patent applications and responding to PTO communications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and prepare detailed reports.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficient in office software and technology tools.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in a technical context.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, based on experience.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Hybrid work schedule (minimum of three days per week in the office, up to two days remote).
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Continuing education and career development opportunities.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.