Intellectual Property Associate Attorney

A law firm in Pittsburgh is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Associate Attorney with a strong background in patent prosecution and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field. The role involves drafting patent applications, prosecuting patents before the USPTO and international patent offices, and providing litigation and risk management support.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and international patent offices.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Provide strategic intellectual property counsel to clients.
• Assist in intellectual property litigation and pre-litigation matters.
• Manage intellectual property portfolios and provide risk management advice.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related scientific field.
• Admission to practice law in Pennsylvania or eligible for admission by waiver.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO is mandatory.
• 4-8 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably with a focus on Organic Chemistry or related fields.

Education:

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or closely related scientific field.

Certifications (Preferred):

Certification in Intellectual Property Law.

Skills:

• Strong drafting and technical writing skills for patent applications.
• Proficiency in patent prosecution procedures and strategies.
• Ability to conduct thorough patent searches and analyses.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical abilities.

This Amlaw firm prides itself in a lower billable requirement and the ability for its associates to have a good work/life balance. The firm provides a collaborative work environment and there is a higher opportunity to move up from associate to counsel, than at most big firms.