Intellectual Property Associate (SC/NC)

Maynard Nexsen; North Carolina; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Maynard Nexsen, a full-service law firm, seeks an associate for its Intellectual Property Practice Group. The role focuses on patent preparation, prosecution, portfolio management, and strategic IP counseling.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of IP experience, a strong technical background in engineering or computer science, and excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills. Candidates should be ready to work closely with clients and cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academics.
• 3–5 years of patent prosecution and IP counseling experience.
• Engineering degree (ME, CE, EE, CS, SE) or related technical field.
• USPTO registration to practice.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. patents; portfolio management.
• Familiarity with trademark prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Handle patent preparation and prosecution for diverse clients.
• Provide strategic IP counseling and portfolio management.
• Work closely with clients across industries and technologies.
• Collaborate with colleagues to protect and enforce IP assets.

Skills

Patent prosecution

IP counseling

Analytical skills

Writing

Communication skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Engineering degree (ME/CE/EE/CS/SE) or related

Job description

Maynard Nexsen, a full-service law firm with over 600 attorneys across offices nationwide, is seeking a highly motivated Associate to join its growing Intellectual Property Practice Group. The ideal candidate will be situated in one of the Firm's North Carolina or South Carolina offices, other offices may be considered depending on the candidate.

The Firm seeks a dynamic associate with 3-5 years of intellectual property experience, with a primary focus on patent preparation, prosecution, portfolio management, and strategic counseling. Candidates should possess a strong technical background in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, and demonstrate excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

The successful candidate will work closely with clients across a variety of industries and technologies, assisting with the development, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property assets. Candidates should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to providing outstanding client service.

Requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials;
• 3-5 years of experience in patent prosecution and intellectual property counseling in a law firm or comparable environment;
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field;
• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO);
• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and managing domestic and foreign patent portfolios;
• Experience conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and landscape analyses is preferred; and
• Familiarity in trademark prosecution

The position offers substantial client contact and the opportunity to work on sophisticated intellectual property matters for emerging growth companies, established businesses, and innovative technology-driven clients.

Additional information on the Intellectual Property Practice Group can be found here.

Salary, benefits, and bonus opportunities are comparable to other Am Law 200 firms. We are devoted to fostering and maintaining a collegial and diverse work environment and are strongly committed to the professional and personal development of our attorneys.