Senior Patent Attorney - Organic Chemistry (United States)

COJK is seeking a senior patent attorney to join our firm’s Life Sciences Patent Practice Group for its office located in Seattle, WA. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, patent preparation and prosecution with a basic knowledge of patenting in Europe, Japan, and China, patent licensing, opinion drafting, and conducting due diligence. The position requires working closely with clients, inventors, and firm attorneys.

COJK is a Seattle-based intellectual property law firm practicing all areas of IP law. The firm, established in 1929, enjoys a culture produced by a management ethos that emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, and a healthy balance between work and family life.

COJK is committed to encouraging a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle by offering excellent benefit packages that include generous vacation and parental leave. We realize that our clients’ well-being and satisfaction are facilitated by a workforce that takes pride and satisfaction in the work they do and the challenges they meet in providing the highest quality service to our clients.

COJK was named a 2026 Washington Best Workplace by the Puget Sound Business Journal, which was the result of our employees responding to an engagement survey about their experience working at COJK.

Qualified candidates will demonstrate superior analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to develop and expand internal and external relationships. The candidate must excel in a team environment, as well as be a motivated self-starter who works well under pressure, with the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is a hybrid position.

Requirements

The senior attorney will have an advanced degree in organic chemistry, a J.D. from an accredited law school, 10+ years of experience in all phases of chemical patent practice with specialties in pharmaceuticals (small molecules and biologics), diagnostics, and materials science, a license to practice law in at least one state, preferably Washington, and admittance to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Candidates should have industry experience of at least two years in organic chemistry; patent experience in the pharmaceutical industry is a plus. Candidates must possess superior academic credentials.

• Drafting patent applications and working with the USPTO to resolve patent examiner questions
• Patent licensing
• Assisting clients with patent infringement issues
• Providing support to the litigation department
• Advising clients on the use and protection of patents
• Assisting clients with identifying the nature of their intellectual property
• Monitoring existing and proposed patents
• Attending meetings and conducting conference calls with clients and contacts in the United States and overseas
• Dealing with general inquiries on patent protection
• Filing domestic and international patent applications
• Handling patent renewals
• Strong business development skills

Education and Qualifications

• Advanced degree in organic chemistry
• Attorney with J.D. degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice in at least one state, preferably Washington
• Admitted to practice before the USPTO

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/LTD/Life/EAP
• 401(k)
• Metro Pass (if commuting to the office)

Compensation

• Minimum of $300k - $800k depending on experience and book of business