IP Senior Associate - Chemistry

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

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a highly motivated Intellectual Property Associate Attorney to join its dynamic IP practice in California. This role involves working on cutting-edge patent prosecution and litigation matters, requiring a JD, PhD in chemistry preferred, and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in their respective states and demonstrate excellent communication and analytical skills. Opportunities for collaboration with experienced attorneys are available.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of post-JD experience in patent prosecution and litigation.
• Experience with chemistry, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology.
• Knowledge of patent portfolio management and development.
• Experience with chemistry, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology.
• Admission to the USPTO and good standing where the position is based.

Responsibilities

• Work on patent prosecution and litigation matters.
• Collaborate with a team of experienced attorneys.
• Manage patent portfolio.
• Provide clear written and oral communications; work with cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Litigation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

JD from an accredited law school

PhD in chemistry

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. Please submit your law school, undergraduate and graduate school transcripts.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• PhD degree 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 as part 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.

This position is open to direct applicants only. Search Firm submissions will not be accepted.