Patent Associate Attorney

Job Title: Patent Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A well-established law firm located in Aspen, CO is actively seeking a patent attorney to join its growing intellectual property practice focused on cutting-edge technologies. This opportunity is ideal for a legal professional passionate about innovation, emerging systems, and advanced hardware/software solutions. The role involves working closely with technology leaders in shaping strategic patent portfolios and safeguarding inventions across a broad range of complex, fast-evolving domains.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in the U.S. and abroad for a variety of technologies

• Conduct IP strategy counseling for emerging and established technology clients

• Provide technical and legal analysis for patent portfolio development

• Advise on patentability, freedom-to-operate, and post-grant proceedings

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on standards-essential patents and licensing

• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and mentoring where appropriate

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of recent experience in patent drafting and prosecution

• Technical familiarity with at least one of the following: wireless systems, computer architecture, semiconductor devices, cloud infrastructure, network security, or related areas

• Admitted to practice before the USPTO

• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Education:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field

• J.D. from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active Bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills:

• Strong writing and communication skills tailored to technical and legal audiences

• Analytical and detail-oriented with an ability to distill complex systems into patentable concepts

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within high-performing teams

• Adaptable to dynamic client environments and emerging technologies

• Proactive mindset with an interest in ongoing legal and technical education

Job Location:

• Aspen, Colorado

Benefits:

• Generous paid time off, including a flexible leave policy

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Parental leave and family-building support, including fertility benefits

• Optional long-term care, critical illness, and accident insurance

• 401(k) plan with firm match

• Continuing legal education support and development stipends

• Opportunities for remote or hybrid work arrangements

• Professional and personal development through firm-sponsored initiatives and volunteer programs

• Sabbatical options and reduced-time programs available for eligible team members