Patent Prosecution Attorney

Tomlinson & Shapiro, P.C. | Chicago, IL (Hybrid) or Remote (U.S.)

At Tomlinson & Shapiro, we believe sophisticated legal work doesn't require unnecessary bureaucracy. We are a growing, entrepreneurial law firm serving innovative businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, and we're looking for an experienced attorney who wants to help build something—not simply bill hours.

Our intellectual property practice continues to grow rapidly. We have significant patent prosecution demand, together with an already-established trademark and intellectual property practice that continues to expand alongside our clients' businesses. We are looking for an attorney who is comfortable leading and managing patent prosecution matters and who enjoys working directly with clients to protect and grow their intellectual property portfolios.

Our clients develop a broad range of technologies, including communications systems, electronics, audio products, software platforms, industrial equipment, networking technologies, and other innovative products, many of which leverage artificial intelligence. We are looking for an attorney who enjoys understanding complex technology and converting innovation into valuable intellectual property assets.

If you're someone who enjoys solving complex legal problems, building trusted client relationships, and helping shape the future of a growing practice, we'd like to talk.

What You'll Do

As part of our team, you'll work directly with clients ranging from startups to established businesses. You'll have substantial responsibility and autonomy while collaborating closely with experienced attorneys.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, filing, and prosecuting U.S. patent applications
• Managing domestic and international patent prosecution matters
• Responding to Office Actions
• Conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses
• Advising clients on intellectual property strategy and patent portfolio development
• Counseling clients regarding IP protection and litigation risk
• Working directly with engineers, inventors, founders, product managers, executives, and business owners
• Supporting technology transactions, licensing matters, and M&A due diligence
• Collaborating with attorneys on litigation strategy when IP disputes arise
• Helping grow and develop our expanding intellectual property practice

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical legal skills with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Our ideal candidate has:

• 5+ years of patent prosecution experience (mid-level or senior)
• Experience prosecuting patent applications
• Registration to practice before the USPTO (required)
• Bachelor's degree or higher in:

- Electrical Engineering (preferred)

- Computer Engineering

- Mechanical Engineering

- Other closely related engineering discipline

• Experience counseling technology companies, manufacturers, or industrial businesses
• Experience conducting invention-harvesting sessions with engineering teams
• Excellent legal writing and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Confidence communicating directly with sophisticated clients
• Experience advising clients on legal and business risk
• A collaborative approach while also being comfortable working independently
• A genuine desire to continue learning and expanding expertise

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is curious, proactive, and excited about helping to build a growing practice.

Why Tomlinson Shapiro?

We intentionally keep our team lean so our attorneys have meaningful client relationships, real responsibility, and opportunities for growth.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Work directly with clients instead of through multiple layers of management
• Help shape and grow an expanding intellectual property practice
• Build or further develop your own book of business with meaningful support
• Develop professionally in an entrepreneurial environment
• Handle sophisticated matters for innovative companies

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $150,000- $200,000 , depending on experience depending on experience.

In addition, we offer:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Business origination bonuses
• Billable-hours bonuses
• Discretionary performance bonuses
• Hybrid schedule for attorneys located in the Chicago area
• Remote opportunities for qualified candidates located elsewhere in the United States

If you're looking for a firm where your work has a direct impact on clients—and where your contributions help shape the future of the practice—we'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you.