Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney (Chemistry)

Associate Attorney – Patent Prosecution (Chemistry)

Locations: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, DC, Houston, Minneapolis, Newport Beach, New York, Redwood City, San Diego, Wilmington

Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate (Chemistry) to join a leading Am Law intellectual property firm. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated attorney to work with cutting-edge technologies and innovative clients across a broad range of chemistry and life sciences matters.

The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background, exceptional analytical and writing skills, and experience handling sophisticated patent prosecution matters in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications related to chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and small molecule technologies
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and validity analyses
• Collaborate with inventors, scientists, and in-house counsel on strategic intellectual property matters
• Develop and manage global patent portfolio strategies for innovative clients
• Provide sophisticated legal and technical analysis on complex intellectual property issues
• Work closely with attorneys and technical specialists in a collaborative, team-oriented environment

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar
• Registration before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office required
• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field required
• 1–3 years of patent prosecution experience focused on chemistry, small molecule, and/or pharmaceutical technologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $225,000 – $260,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Technology stipend and wellness initiatives
• Family-friendly benefits and support resources
• Collaborative and inclusive firm culture with significant professional development opportunities

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside nationally recognized intellectual property attorneys while advising some of the world's leading innovators in chemistry and life sciences.