Mid-level Intellectual Property Life Sciences Associate

Job Overview
A prestigious law firm is seeking a Midlevel Associate Attorney to join its Intellectual Property team with a focus on life sciences and biotechnology. The ideal candidate will have 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience in the biotechnology sector, as well as an advanced degree (preferably a Ph.D.) in a relevant life sciences field. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge matters in the life sciences industry while contributing to the firm's dynamic IP practice. Membership in the Patent Bar and the California Bar is required.

Location

• San Francisco, California

Duties

• Assist in patent prosecution, including drafting and filing patent applications
• Work on biotechnology-related patent matters
• Conduct patentability assessments and provide strategic advice on intellectual property protection
• Collaborate with senior attorneys and clients on complex IP issues
• Prepare and manage office action responses and other filings with the USPTO
• Engage in client meetings to understand their business and IP goals
• Prepare for, take, and pass the patent bar exam within 12 months of hire if not already registered

Requirements

• 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience, particularly in biotechnology
• Ph.D. in a life sciences field (e.g., molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, etc.) preferred
• USPTO Patent Bar membership (Registration Number) required
• Membership in the California Bar required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset

Education

• Advanced degree (Ph.D.) in life sciences or related field preferred
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications

• USPTO Registration Number (Patent Bar membership) required
• California Bar membership required

Skills

• Expertise in patent prosecution and patentability analysis in the life sciences sector
• Strong technical background in biotechnology or related life sciences fields
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment
• Ability to learn and apply new technologies and legal issues related to patent law

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and retirement planning options
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and parental leave)
• Other benefits to be discussed upon offer

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.