Patent Prosecution Attorney

Kelley Drye Warren LLP’s Patent Practice Group is seeking a highly motivated mid-level associate with a solid background in all aspects of patent law, including patent litigation, prosecution, client counseling, licensing, and portfolio management. The most successful candidates will have experience in all or most of these areas, but candidates with significant experience in one area and the willingness to learn more about and assist with other types of patent work will also be considered. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of experience and be willing to be resident in either our Chicago, IL or Madison, NJ offices, but candidates who wish to work in other offices will be considered. We work seamlessly across offices and the office you are resident in will not impact the types of matters you work on. Responsibilities Handle all aspects of patent litigation in federal district courts across the country and appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Handle post‑grant proceedings such as ex‑parte reexaminations and inter‑parte review proceedings. Supervise and provide guidance to patent agents in furtherance of prosecuting patent applications. Collaborate with partners and clients to develop litigation strategies and handle the nuts‑and‑bolts of litigation, not just motion practice and attending hearings (conducting discovery including depositions, document review, and expert witness preparation, drafting motions, etc.). Once comfortable, work directly with clients to counsel them on patent matters including complex IP strategy, risk management, and enforcement issues, with partner supervision. Stay current on developments in patent law and emerging technologies relevant to clients’ businesses. Qualifications Minimum of 3‑6 years of law firm experience. Candidates with more experience are also encouraged to apply. Admitted to practice before at least one state court and the USPTO. Strong command of relevant rules related to federal patent litigation, PTAB proceedings and patent examination. Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Strong writing skills, demonstrated through past work. Top academic credentials and strong interpersonal skills. An undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent client‑relation skills or the propensity to develop them depending on class year, and comfort with handling multiple matters for multiple clients at once. Experience with other types of IP matters (trademark, copyright, trade dress, trade secret) is a plus but not a requirement. Base salary range: $235,000 – $305,000. Salary is determined based on internal equity, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees, and certifications (e.g., JD/technology). Kelley Drye offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, including health benefits, life insurance and disability income protection, paid parental leave, retirement savings and planning, college coaching, child and elder care offerings, and more. We currently have a hybrid work policy and prefer lawyers to be in the office at least three days a week. Partners typically work in the office five days a week unless traveling. Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). #J-18808-Ljbffr