IP Associate - Life Sciences

WilmerHale; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

WilmerHale in Boston seeks an Intellectual Property Associate Attorney with 2-4 years post-JD experience to join our vibrant IP practice. The role offers opportunities to handle cutting-edge patent prosecution and litigation alongside seasoned attorneys.

Qualified candidates will have a JD from an accredited law school, a biology undergraduate degree (PhD preferred), and experience across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, gene therapy and medical device portfolios.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Undergraduate biology degree; a life sciences PhD is strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years of post‑JD experience in patent prosecution and litigation.
• Experience with patents in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, gene therapy, medical device and digital health industries.
• Admission to USPTO; licensed in the state/jurisdiction of position (MA/NY/CA/CO/DC).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and litigate patent matters as part of the IP practice.
• Collaborate with experienced attorneys on cutting‑edge patent matters.
• Support portfolio management, competitive analyses, and patentability assessments.

Skills

Written & oral communication

Analytical thinking

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Biology undergrad degree; Life sciences PhD preferred

Job description

Position Overview

WilmerHale is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Intellectual Property Associate Attorney to join our thriving IP practice. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge patent prosecution and litigation matters with a team of experienced attorneys. This role can be based in our Boston, Denver, New York, Palo Alto or Washington, DC office.

About the Role

The successful candidate will have 2-4 years of post‑JD experience with a strong focus on both patent prosecution and litigation.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Undergraduate degree in Biology. A life sciences PhD is strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years of post‑JD experience in both patent prosecution and litigation.
• Experience with patents in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, gene therapy, medical device and digital health industries.
• Knowledge of patent portfolio management and development, competitive landscape analyses, and patentability.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in the state/jurisdiction in which the position is based (MA, NY, CA, CO or DC).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.