Patent Attorney

Mid-Level Attorney - Intellectual Property

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 Mid-level Attorney with strong experience in intellectual property to support a growing practice focused on life sciences and pharmaceuticals. The successful candidate will manage patent prosecution and litigation matters, advise clients on trademark and trade secret strategy, and collaborate with scientists and business teams to protect and enforce IP portfolios. This role balances hands-on drafting and litigation work with client counseling and strategic portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prosecute patent applications before the USPTO and other jurisdictions, including drafting claims and responding to office actions.
• Manage and support IP litigation matters, including drafting pleadings, discovery, motions, and trial preparation.
• Prepare and file trademark applications; handle clearance searches and responses to office actions.
• Advise clients on trade secret protection strategies, confidentiality agreements, and risk management.
• Work closely with inventors, R&D teams, and outside counsel to develop IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and infringement analyses and prepare written opinions.
• Draft and negotiate license agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other commercial IP documents.
• Coordinate and manage outside counsel, vendors, and docketing to ensure timely and cost-effective matter progress.
• Provide training and guidance to junior attorneys and paralegals on prosecution and litigation best practices.
• Support due diligence for transactions and provide IP input for corporate matters related to acquisitions and partnerships.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to practice in at least one U.S. state; USPTO registration preferred.
• 3+ years of experience practicing intellectual property law, with experience in both patent prosecution and litigation preferred.
• Strong technical background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related life sciences field (MS, PhD, or equivalent preferred).
• Experience handling patent matters in the life sciences/pharmaceutical sector, including drafting applications and responding to office actions.
• Familiarity with trademark prosecution and trade secret protection principles.
• Demonstrated experience preparing patentability, FTO, validity, and infringement opinions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical and legal issues to clients and stakeholders.
• Proven project management skills, ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with outside counsel and cross-functional internal teams, and mentoring junior staff.

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!