IP Associate - Life Sciences

Wilmer; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

WilmerHale seeks an Intellectual Property Associate in Palo Alto to join our growing IP practice. You will work on patent prosecution and litigation matters with a team of experienced attorneys.

Ideal candidates have 2-4 years of post-JD experience, a biology undergraduate degree, and a life sciences PhD is preferred. USPTO admission and CA/MA/NY/DC/CO bar status are required or in process.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Undergraduate degree in Biology; life sciences PhD 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, development and patentability.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Must be licensed to practice law 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 independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Handle patent prosecution and litigation matters for clients.
• Collaborate with a team of attorneys on cutting-edge IP matters.
• Contribute to strategy and development of IP portfolios.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Patent litigation

Legal research

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Biology undergraduate degree

Life sciences PhD (preferred)

Job description

1617

Associate Position

Palo Alto, CA

*Intellectual Property/Patent

Monday, September 14, 2026

Legal

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology, and business and we have a steadfast commitment to quality and excellence in everything we do - a commitment reflected in the continued success of our clients across the globe.

We are committed to recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting the best legal talent. Accordingly, the total compensation package - base salary, bonus and benefits - for all lawyers at the firm is highly competitive with that of other major law firms.

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.
• Undergraduatedegree 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.