IP Senior Associate Attorney – Life Sciences (CA)

Software Placement Group, SPG; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

SPG, a leading international law firm, seeks a Senior Associate Attorney to join its Intellectual Property Practice Group in Palo Alto. The role focuses on sophisticated life sciences patent prosecution and litigation across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical devices, and digital health.

You will collaborate with experienced IP attorneys and technical professionals to protect, develop, and enforce clients' valuable innovations while handling domestic and international matters.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of substantive post-JD experience in patent prosecution and patent litigation.
• Undergraduate degree in Biology or closely related life sciences.
• Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Experience handling patents in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical devices, or digital health.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in life sciences patent prosecution and litigation.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications across biotech and related fields.
• Manage domestic and international patent portfolios.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Develop litigation strategies for complex patent disputes.
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery documents.
• Support with fact and expert discovery and depositions.
• Engage in post-grant proceedings and ITC considerations.

Skills

Life sciences background

Patent prosecution

Patent litigation

US PTO

Strong communication

Education

J.D. degree from a top-tier law school

Admission to bar in applicable jurisdiction

Job description

Location: Palo Alto, CA | Schedule: Full-time, Hybrid

Overview

A leading international law firm is seeking a Senior Associate Attorney to join its thriving Intellectual Property Practice Group in Palo Alto. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with a strong life sciences background to work on sophisticated patent prosecution and litigation matters spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical devices, and digital health, collaborating with experienced intellectual property attorneys and technical professionals to protect, develop, and enforce clients' most valuable innovations.

What you'll do

• Represent clients in sophisticated life sciences patent prosecution and litigation matters
• Draft and prosecute patent applications involving biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical devices, digital health, and related technologies
• Assist with the development and management of domestic and international patent portfolios
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, competitive landscape, and intellectual property analyses
• Develop litigation strategies for complex patent disputes in federal district courts and other forums
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, and other substantive litigation documents
• Assist with fact and expert discovery, witness preparation, depositions, hearings, and trial preparation
• Represent patent owners and challengers in inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
• Evaluate the potential impact of post-grant proceedings on related patent litigation
• Collaborate with attorneys, scientists, technical specialists, and experts to analyze complex technologies and develop effective legal strategies
• Work with colleagues across jurisdictions and practice areas to manage domestic and international intellectual property disputes
• Advise clients on intellectual property strategy, portfolio development, enforcement, and protection

Required qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in applicable jurisdiction in good standing
• 3-5 years of substantive post-JD experience in patent prosecution and patent litigation
• Undergraduate degree in Biology or a closely related life sciences discipline
• Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Experience handling patents involving the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, gene therapy, medical device, and digital health industries
• Experience with patent portfolio development and management
• Familiarity with competitive landscape analyses, patentability assessments, and intellectual property strategy
• Experience litigating patent matters in federal district courts and/or before the U.S. International Trade Commission
• Familiarity with inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
• Strong understanding of how post-grant proceedings may affect pending patent litigation
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in a life sciences field strongly preferred
• Large law firm or sophisticated intellectual property practice experience preferred

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and class year
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, parental leave benefits, wellness resources, professional development opportunities, and additional employee perks

Why this role

This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognized intellectual property practice representing clients ranging from emerging life sciences companies to major global corporations, with matters before federal district courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and federal appellate courts, along with exceptional mentorship, meaningful responsibility, and direct client exposure.