IP Senior Associate - Chemistry

Wilmer; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

WilmerHale in Palo Alto seeks a highly motivated Intellectual Property Associate to advance patent prosecution and litigation on cutting-edge chemistry-related matters. This position offers collaboration with a team of experienced attorneys and exposure to a broad IP portfolio across chemistry, pharma and biotech.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of post-JD experience, a JD from an accredited law school, a PhD in chemistry (organic preferred), USPTO admission, and strong communication and

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• PhD in chemistry; organic chemistry preferred.
• 3–5 years of post-JD experience in patent prosecution and litigation.

Responsibilities

• Work on patent prosecution and litigation matters.
• Contribute to a collaborative IP team handling cutting-edge chemistry-related cases.
• Support multi-office coordination including Palo Alto, Boston, Denver, New York, and Washington, DC.

Skills

Written and oral communication

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

JD from accredited law school

PhD in Chemistry (organic preferred)

Job description

1612

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.

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.
• PhDdegree in chemistry. A PhD in Organic Chemistry is preferred.
• 3-5 years of post-JD experience in both patent prosecution and litigation.
• Experience with chemistry, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology.
• 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.

For more information about Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here.

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