Mid-level Intellectual Property Associate Life Sciences

A law firm seeks a midlevel associate to join its Intellectual Property practice focused on life sciences in the San Francisco office. The ideal candidate will have 1-5 years of experience in patent prosecution, with a particular emphasis on biotechnology. A Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences field is preferred, along with patent bar membership and California Bar admission. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious attorney to grow their career in a collaborative environment working on cutting-edge matters in the biotechnology sector.

Duties:

• Manage patent prosecution for biotechnology-related technologies, including drafting, filing, and responding to office actions
• Conduct patentability analyses and guide strategic patent portfolio development
• Advise clients on patent protection strategies and IP risks within the biotechnology field
• Perform freedom-to-operate and validity analyses to support client decision-making
• Collaborate with other teams on cross-disciplinary matters involving IP, regulatory, and business concerns
• Work closely with senior attorneys on high-profile matters and develop case strategies
• Stay informed on patent law developments, particularly those affecting the life sciences and biotechnology industries
• Mentor junior associates and support their professional growth

Requirements:

• 1-5 years of experience in patent prosecution within the biotechnology sector
• A Ph.D. in a life sciences-related field is preferred
• Active membership in the USPTO (Patent Bar) is required
• California Bar membership is required
• Strong technical and legal research skills with the ability to analyze complex issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working with clients in the biotechnology or life sciences space is highly desirable

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
• California Bar membership is required

Skills:

• In-depth understanding of patent prosecution, especially in biotechnology and life sciences
• Expertise in patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate analysis
• Excellent communication and legal writing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Client-focused with the ability to manage multiple relationships simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Parental leave and family support benefits
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education

This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented and driven midlevel associate to join a leading practice in the life sciences IP space. If you are looking to make an impact on groundbreaking biotech matters and further your career, we invite 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.