IP Associate - Life Sciences

WilmerHale; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

WilmerHale is seeking a highly motivated Intellectual Property Associate Attorney to join our thriving IP practice. This role involves cutting‑edge patent prosecution and litigation matters and can be based in our Boston, Denver, New York, Palo Alto or Washington, DC offices.

The successful candidate will have 3–5 years of post‑JD experience with a strong focus on both patent prosecution and litigation, and should possess a JD, biology background, and preferably a Life Sciences PhD.

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 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 of the position (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.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and litigate patent matters for biotech and life sciences clients.
• Collaborate with a team of experienced attorneys on complex IP matters.
• Contribute to portfolio management and competitive landscape analyses.
• Support clients in diverse patent prosecution and litigation initiatives.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Litigation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Biology degree

PhD in Life Sciences

Job description

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 3-5 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 aspart of a collaborative team.

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.