Biotech Patent Associate: Lead Prosecution & Client Impact

MBHB (McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

MBHB (McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP) in Chicago, IL, seeks an experienced patent attorney to support biotech and pharmaceutical patent prosecution, client counseling, and strategic advisory services. The role emphasizes collaboration with clients, inventors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality patent work.

The candidate should have 2–6 years in biotech/pharma patent prosecution, be licensed to practice in Illinois (or eligible), and be prepared to contribute to

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of biotech/pharma patent prosecution experience.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO is required.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois (or eligible to sit for Illinois Bar).
• Experience working with academic institutions, startups, and mid-sized biotech/pharma companies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to convey complex concepts clearly in legal and technical contexts.

Responsibilities

• Patent Prosecution: Assist with prosecution and counseling for biotech clients, including Fortune 100 companies, startups, and academia.
• Client & Inventor Collaboration: Communicate complex technical concepts to legal and non-legal audiences and build client relationships.
• Business Development: Contribute to the firm's growth and strategic initiatives.
• Budget & Time Management: Manage client budgets and timelines, ensure efficient resource use.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Mentor junior practitioners and contribute to a collaborative culture.
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay current on industry and legal developments in patent law.

Skills

Biotech patent prosecution

Client counseling

Relationship management

Time management

Team mentorship

Business development

Education

Bachelor's in life sciences

Master's or PhD preferred

Job description

MBHB (McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP) in Chicago, IL, seeks an experienced patent attorney to support biotech and pharmaceutical patent prosecution, client counseling, and strategic advisory services. The role emphasizes collaboration with clients, inventors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality patent work.

The candidate should have 2–6 years in biotech/pharma patent prosecution, be licensed to practice in Illinois (or eligible), and be prepared to contribute to