Intellectual Property Associate (Chemistry)

Job Overview

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking an Intellectual Property Associate with a background in chemistry to join its Intellectual Property group. This role is suited for a candidate with 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience, particularly in the pharmaceutical or chemical sectors. The position offers the opportunity to work on complex and cutting-edge patent matters in a highly collaborative legal environment.

Location

• Washington, DC

Duties

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to pharmaceutical and chemical technologies

• Respond to USPTO Office Actions and manage communications with patent examiners

• Advise clients on IP strategy, portfolio development, and risk assessment

• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses

• Assist with preparation of legal opinions, including invalidity and non-infringement opinions

• Support litigation teams with technical analysis as needed

• Contribute to IP due diligence for licensing and corporate transactions

Requirements

• 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution

• Experience in pharmaceutical patent matters preferred

• Strong familiarity with USPTO rules and procedures

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

• Eligibility to work in the United States

Education

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in one of the following disciplines:

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications

• Licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), or qualified to sit for the patent bar

Skills

• Proficiency in patent drafting and prosecution strategy

• Ability to clearly articulate technical and scientific concepts in a legal setting

• Experience with IP diligence, clearance studies, and opinion work

• Strong writing, research, and communication skills

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to contribute to cross-functional legal teams

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.