Junior Patent Attorney

Junior Patent Attorney - Chemistry / Life Sciences We are a boutique intellectual property law firm based in Washington, D.C., built at the intersection of science and legal strategy -- founded by a scientist-turned-patent attorney and focused exclusively on the biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials sectors. Our team brings deep scientific fluency and partner-level attention to every matter, serving innovators ranging from early‑stage startups to large multinational companies with services spanning patent prosecution, portfolio development, freedom‑to‑operate analysis, risk assessment, trademarks, and IP licensing. We act as a dedicated external IP partner for clients who need the expertise and oversight of an in‑house team without the overhead of building one. And because we believe exceptional work stems from clarity and well‑being, we have built a culture that supports our people with half‑day Fridays year‑round, quarterly mental health days, birthday leave, and a firmwide holiday closure -- so that both ideas and people can thrive. Position Overview We are seeking a Junior Attorney to join our Intellectual Property team focusing on patent prosecution and post‑grant proceedings in the chemistry, life sciences, and pharmaceutical sectors. The successful candidate will support patent prosecution before the USPTO, assist with inter partes review (IPR), post‑grant proceedings matters, and PTAB practice, perform legal and technical research, draft patent applications and responses to office actions, and collaborate with senior attorneys and clients to protect and enforce patent rights. Key Responsibilities Prepare and prosecute patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including drafting claims, specifications, and amendments. Draft and file responses to office actions, information disclosure statements, and other USPTO filings under the supervision of senior counsel. Support and assist in post‑grant proceedings, including inter‑partes reviews (IPR) and other PTAB matters: drafting petitions, responses, motions, and related briefs. Conduct prior art searches and technical/legal research to evaluate patentability, validity, and freedom to operate issues in chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical technologies. Work with inventors and clients to understand technical inventions, provide strategic prosecution advice, and coordinate filing strategies across jurisdictions. Assist with patent portfolio management tasks such as docket review, filing schedules, and prosecution records to ensure deadlines and compliance. Prepare technical and legal memoranda, claim charts, validity/infringement analyses, and due diligence reports for transactions and litigation support. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (scientists, R&D, regulatory) and mentor paralegals or patent agents when applicable. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of USPTO rules, PTAB decisions, and relevant post‑grant practice developments in IP law. Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. state bar (or ability to obtain admission). Registration to practice before the USPTO (patent bar) preferred; candidates eligible to sit for the patent bar should have a qualifying technical degree. Strong technical background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related life sciences (M.S. or Ph.D. required). Exposure to patent prosecution, preferably with exposure to post‑grant proceedings (IPR, PTAB) and USPTO practice. Demonstrated experience or coursework in patent drafting, office action responses, claim drafting, and prosecution strategy is a plus. Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines. Effective interpersonal and client communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from senior attorneys while handling assignments with increasing autonomy. Benefits Reasonable billable expectations Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance 401(k) and commuter benefits Mental health days + birthday leave Early Fridays when targets are met A collaborative, respectful team environment ...and more! #J-18808-Ljbffr CyberCoders