Associate Patent Attorney - Electrical Engineering

Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Christensen O’Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC (COJK) seeks an associate-level patent attorney with a background in electrical engineering to join its Seattle Patent Practice Group. The role involves patent preparation, prosecution, portfolio management, licensing, and due diligence for new products and technologies.

Hybrid work arrangement in Seattle. Qualified candidates will have a J.D., 5+ years patent law experience, and an active license to practice in at least one state (preferably

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field; JD from accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one state (preferably WA).
• Admittance to practice before the USPTO.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in relevant technical fields.
• Draft responses to office actions and communicate with USPTO examiners.
• Conduct prior art searches and assess patentability, ownership, validity, infringement, and FTO.
• Manage domestic and foreign patent portfolios, including filings and renewals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Juris Doctor degree (JD)

USPTO admission

Job description

Associate Patent Attorney: Electrical Engineering

Seattle, Washington | Preferred Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Position Overview

Christensen O’Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC (COJK) is seeking an associate-level patent attorney with a technical background in electrical engineering to join its Patent Practice Group in Seattle. The attorney will work closely with clients, inventors, and colleagues on sophisticated intellectual property matters, including patent preparation and prosecution, foreign portfolio management, patent licensing, and due diligence involving new products and technology acquisitions.

Qualified candidates will demonstrate superior analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to develop and maintain internal and external relationships. The candidate must excel in a team environment, as well as be a motivated self-starter who works well under pressure, with the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced environment. This is a hybrid position.

Requirements

Requirements for associate-level patent attorney include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, a J.D. from an accredited law school with five or more years of patent law experience, and two years of relevant industry experience. Qualified applicants must have an active license to practice law in at least one state, preferably Washington, and admittance to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in relevant technical fields
• Draft responses to office actions and communicate with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office examiners
• Conduct prior art searches and analyze patentability, ownership, validity, infringement, and freedom-to-operate issues
• Manage domestic and foreign patent portfolios, including filings, renewals, and monitoring of existing and proposed patents
• Counsel clients on patent strategy, protection, licensing, and infringement matters
• Conduct intellectual property due diligence related to new products, technologies, and acquisitions, and assist in preparing client opinions
• Help clients identify, evaluate, and protect intellectual property assets
• Support the firm’s litigation practice on patent-related matters
• Participate in meetings and conference calls with clients, inventors, foreign associates, and other contacts in the United States and abroad
• Respond to general inquiries regarding patent protection and portfolio management

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or physics
• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. state, preferably Washington
• Admitted to practice before the USPTO

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Possess superior analytical, written communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external professional relationships
• A collaborative approach and demonstrated success working in a team environment
• Sound judgment, and the ability to take initiative and to work independently
• Ability to manage competing priorities, perform effectively under pressure, and thrive in a fast-paced environment

About COJK

Founded in 1929, Christensen O’Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC is a Seattle-based law firm focused exclusively on intellectual property. COJK serves clients across the full spectrum of intellectual property law and is known for a collaborative culture that values teamwork, effective communication, excellent client service, and a healthy balance between work and family life. The firm is committed to supporting the professional and personal growth of its attorneys and staff.

COJK was named a 2026 Washington Best Workplace by the Puget Sound Business Journal, which was the result of our employees responding to an engagement survey about their experience working at COJK.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement plan

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $175,000 - $225,000, depending on experience and qualifications.