Mid-level Intellectual Property Associate Life Sciences

A law firm seeks a dynamic midlevel associate to join its Intellectual Property (IP) team in Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have 1 to 5 years of experience in patent prosecution with a focus on biotechnology. The position requires an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in a life sciences-related field. The successful applicant must have experience in patent prosecution within a biotechnology practice and be able to demonstrate their expertise in protecting IP for life sciences technologies. Membership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a must, and candidates must be willing to take and pass the patent bar exam if not already registered.

Duties:

• Manage patent prosecution processes for biotechnology and life sciences innovations, including preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications
• Conduct patentability assessments and provide IP strategies for clients in the biotechnology sector
• Collaborate with in-house legal teams and external clients to protect intellectual property
• Perform patent landscape analysis and ensure compliance with patent laws and regulations
• Advise clients on IP portfolio management and strategies for patent protection in various markets
• Prepare and review legal documents such as patent applications, office action responses, and amendments
• Assist with patent litigation, including coordinating with external counsel and providing support during discovery and trial preparation
• Stay up to date with developments in IP law, particularly in life sciences and biotechnology, to advise clients on evolving issues
• Build relationships with clients and offer practical solutions for complex patent-related matters

Requirements:

• 1 to 5 years of experience in patent prosecution, particularly within biotechnology or life sciences
• Proven ability to manage patent portfolios and prosecute patent applications
• Experience working with cutting-edge life sciences technologies and innovations
• Strong client-facing communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively
• Ability to provide strategic advice to clients on the protection of their intellectual property
• A desire to work in a collaborative team environment and contribute to the growth of the practice
• A high level of attention to detail and a proactive, solution-driven approach to legal work

Education:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a life sciences-related field such as biotechnology, molecular biology, or pharmacology

Certifications:

• Membership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required
• If not currently a member, candidates must be prepared to take and pass the patent bar exam within the first year of employment

Skills:

• Strong technical understanding of biotechnology and life sciences innovations
• Expertise in patent prosecution, including preparing and filing patent applications, responding to office actions, and managing patent portfolios
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-experts
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously
• Knowledge of relevant patent laws and regulations, particularly within the life sciences sector
• Ability to build relationships with clients and provide strategic legal guidance on IP matters

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plan options, including 401(k) eligibility
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days
• Paid parental leave and bereavement leave
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• Access to employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and work-life balance resources

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a growing and innovative IP practice with a focus on life sciences. If you are a motivated associate with a passion for protecting groundbreaking technologies, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

One of DC's most powerful firms is this one. Truly an international giant in every sense of the word, business and finance, M&A, labor law and litigation reign supreme here although the IP practice is coming into its own also. Like many other large firms attrition is high at times, but overall the associates here are well-credentialed and well paid. In DC, this firm's litigation section, especially with respect to technology and intellectual property disputes, tops the list in terms of prestige. However, this is one of the few firms that virtually guarantees great work and top-notch training, regardless of the practice area.