Electrical Engineering Patent Associate

Job Overview:
A leading law firm is actively recruiting a Patent Associate with a background in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field. This position supports a dynamic intellectual property group with a focus on patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and occasional litigation and transactional matters. Ideal candidates will possess 2–5 years of experience and be eager to contribute to a client-focused team managing cutting-edge technologies across industries such as software, semiconductors, wireless systems, and medical devices.

Location:

• Boise, ID

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications

• Advise clients on intellectual property strategy and portfolio management

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses

• Collaborate on IP-related litigation and transactional matters

• Engage directly with clients on technical disclosures and innovation strategies

• Participate in internal DE&I and pro bono initiatives, with billable hour credit available

Requirements:

• 2–5 years of experience in patent prosecution as an attorney or patent agent

• Demonstrated ability to draft patents in areas such as software, semiconductors, wireless technologies, optics, or medical devices

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for client-facing work

• Capacity to manage concurrent projects and meet deadlines independently

• Ability to work collaboratively with legal teams and technical experts

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

• Undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field

Certifications:

• Admission to the bar in the state of the office location, or eligibility to obtain it

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

Skills:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills

• Strong legal research and analytical reasoning abilities

• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn new technologies

• Good judgment and responsiveness in a client-service environment

• Team-focused mindset with a self-motivated work ethic

Benefits:

• Annual discretionary bonus

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid family and medical leave, with an on/off-ramp program for expecting parents

• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options

• Sabbatical program for eligible attorneys

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage

  • Health savings account (HSA) with firm contributions

  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

  • Pre-tax transportation and parking benefits

  • Voluntary life, AD&D, and long-term care insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Up to 50 billable hours credit for DE&I-related activities

• Up to 50 billable hours credit for pro bono work

• Participation in the ABA Well-Being Pledge

• Active engagement with diversity and inclusion programs, including:

  • DE&I Committee, Pro Bono Committee, and Affinity Groups

  • Mansfield Rule certification and participation in Diversity Lab’s Move the Needle Fund

This large, rapidly growing, full-service law firm is making big strides in the global realm of telecommunications, e-commerce and dot coms in addition to having a very notable practice in international commerce, corporate and contract litigation. It is located in the Pacific Northwest with branches sprouting up all over the country. Associates are encouraged to pursue community involvement to enhance their well-rounded approach to law and life. Billable hours credit is given for Pro Bono work, and the firm's hours requirements are very reasonable. Strong mentoring and training programs are present.