Associate / Attorney -Patent

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 225,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement (401k)

Paid Time Off

Parental/Family Benefits

Professional Development

Wellbeing Resources

Job summary

Watts & Associates is seeking a Patent Associate – Engineering to join its national platform with multiple U.S. offices.

The role offers sophisticated patent prosecution and portfolio strategy for technology and life-sciences clients, with ownership of substantive matters and exposure to high-value work. The ideal candidate has approximately 1–2 years of patent prosecution experience, strong drafting and analytical skills, and a technical background in electrical engineering, computer science,

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of substantive patent prosecution experience.
• Strong drafting, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute patent applications and manage domestic and international portfolios.
• Collaborate with inventors, in-house teams, and foreign counsel.
• Support due diligence, licensing, and IP-related transactions.
• Coordinate with cross-office teams and partners.

Skills

Patent prosecution experience

Drafting and analysis

Client communication

Multitasking

Academic credentials

Education

Law degree

Job description

Patent Associate – Engineering | Multiple U.S. Offices | Firm Policy | 1–2 Years' Experience | $225,000–$310,000 Base + Bonus | Am Law 100

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 100 national full-service law firm seeking a Patent Associate – Engineering to join its Multiple U.S. Offices platform.

This opportunity offers sophisticated patent prosecution and portfolio strategy for innovative technology and life-sciences companies within a nationally recognised patent prosecution practice.

The successful attorney will work closely with partners and senior attorneys, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to high-value work, important clients and cross-practice collaboration.

Company Highlights

• Am Law 100 national full-service platform with sophisticated domestic and cross-border capabilities.
• Recognised practice strength across patent prosecution and related corporate, regulatory or litigation disciplines.
• Established team advising innovative technology and life-sciences companies on complex, high-value matters.
• Collaborative and partner-led environment offering meaningful associate responsibility.
• Structured mentoring, practical training and individual career-development support.
• Strong commitment to professional development, wellbeing, inclusion, innovation and pro bono work.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a well-established patent prosecution practice offering:

• Sophisticated patent prosecution and portfolio strategy for innovative technology and life-sciences companies.
• Meaningful ownership of substantive workstreams and increasing responsibility based on experience.
• Direct access to partners, senior attorneys and clients.
• Opportunities to deepen technical, commercial and strategic experience within a recognised patent prosecution practice.
• A credible platform for long-term progression and advancement.

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead key components of patent prosecution matters, including:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications and manage domestic and international patent portfolios.
• Work directly with inventors and in-house legal teams to understand complex technology and develop protection strategies.
• Prepare responses, conduct prior‑art analysis and advise on freedom‑to‑operate and portfolio development.
• Coordinate with foreign counsel and support due diligence, licensing and other IP‑related transactions.
• Coordinate with attorneys and professionals across related practice areas and offices.

The role offers direct collaboration with partners, senior attorneys and clients, together with increasing responsibility and opportunities to take ownership of important workstreams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking an attorney with:

• Approximately 1–2 years of substantive patent prosecution experience.
• Experience handling patent prosecution and portfolio strategy for sophisticated clients.
• Strong drafting, analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet demanding deadlines and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Strong academic credentials and experience in a sophisticated law‑firm environment.
• A technical background in electrical engineering, computer science, software or a related field is strongly preferred.
• USPTO registration is required or strongly preferred, depending on office and role requirements.
• Admission in Uspto, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly, is required.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $225,000–$310,000, depending on class year, experience, location, qualifications and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement and 401(k) benefits.
• Paid time off and firm holidays.
• Parental and family‑care benefits.
• Professional‑development and continuing legal education support.
• Wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.

Location and Working Arrangement

The position is available in Washington, DC / San Diego, CA / Los Angeles, CA / Palo Alto, CA / Boston, MA / New York, NY / Salt Lake City, UT / Boulder, CO.

Working arrangements are governed by the firm's current office policy and may vary by office, team, client and business requirements.

Candidates must be admitted in the relevant jurisdiction or be eligible to obtain admission within the required timeframe.