Patent Associate Attorney - Life Sciences

Patent Associate Attorney

A leading AmLaw 50 firm is seeking a motivated Associate Attorney to join its highly-regarded Intellectual Property Practice Group, with a focus on life sciences patent prosecution. This is a standout opportunity to work with a premier client base on cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative and innovation-driven environment.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in the relevant jurisdiction, in good standing.
• 1–4 years of substantive experience with patent prosecution in a law firm setting.
• USPTO Registration required.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D., or at minimum an M.S. with significant experience) in one or more of the following is required: Cell/molecular biology, Immunology, Bio/organic/medicinal chemistry, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Cancer biology, Pharmacology, Biophysics, or Digital health-related fields.
• Prior experience as a patent agent is preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in the life sciences and biotech sectors.
• Collaborate closely with clients—ranging from early-stage innovators to global pharmaceutical companies—on IP strategy, portfolio development, and competitive landscape analysis.
• Assist in due diligence and freedom-to-operate analyses in connection with strategic transactions.
• Stay current with developments in IP law and scientific advancements relevant to client technologies.
• Work closely with firm partners and senior attorneys on client counseling and strategic advising.

Why Join Us?

This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of law and science, supporting the innovation economy through sophisticated patent prosecution work. You will be part of a world-class team that values collaboration, mentorship, and technical excellence. The firm is deeply committed to professional development and offers meaningful opportunities to work directly with clients in shaping their IP strategies. Whether advising biotech startups or multinational pharmaceutical companies, you will gain experience that sets the foundation for a long and impactful career in life sciences IP law.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $225,000 – $310,000, commensurate with experience and class year.
• Discretionary merit bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid parental leave; 401(k) plan; HSA with firm contribution; FSAs; back-up child care; and commuter benefits.
• Additional Perks: Include family-building benefits (IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and egg freezing), wellness reimbursements, behavioral health support, and pet insurance, among others.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample for consideration.

Locations

CA (Palo Alto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego)

CO (Boulder)

DC (Washington)

MA (Boston)

NY (New York)

UT (Salt Lake City)

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.