Job Description
Job DescriptionDirect Counsel is seeking a Mid-to-Senior Level Electrical/Software Patent Associate Attorney to join a national Am Law firm.
Locations: Los Angeles (Culver City or Downtown), New York, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, or Washington, D.C. (on-site role with flexibility across offices)
Overview:
This role sits within a premier Intellectual Property Practice Group and offers significant client-facing responsibility across a range of cutting-edge industries. The Patent Associate Attorney will work on the strategic development and management of patent portfolios—including preparation, prosecution, analysis, and support of litigation matters—while collaborating with both emerging and established companies in the U.S. and internationally.
Key Responsibilities:
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Draft and prosecute patent applications in the electrical/software space
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Provide counseling on patent strategy, portfolio development, and management
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Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses
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Support patent litigation teams on technical matters
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Manage a large docket and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Ideal Candidate:
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4–6 years of experience in patent preparation & prosecution (in-house or at a law firm)
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Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering preferred
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Technical knowledge in one or more of: machine learning, networking/cloud computing, wireless communication, cryptography, information security, robotics, or distributed ledger technologies
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Registered to practice before the USPTO
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Active bar admission in CA, NY, OR, WA, or DC
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Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal teams and clients
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Excellent writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Compensation & Benefits (California, NY, WA, DC):
$260,000–$315,000 annual salary, plus bonus eligibility and comprehensive benefits, including health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), FSAs, disability & life insurance, employee assistance program, commuter benefits, and various voluntary insurance plans.