IP Technology Specialist - CS/EE

WilmerHale; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

WilmerHale seeks a Technology Specialist to support patent-related work by analyzing software code and technical documentation, collaborating with inventors and attorneys, and assisting with applications and opinions. The role emphasizes strong communication and ethics as part of a multi-disciplinary IP practice.

The position involves pursuing further legal training, including evening law school attendance and USPTO patent bar preparation, with potential participation in summer programs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's and advanced degrees required; PhD preferred.
• Experience reading, understanding, and analyzing software source code (e.g., C, C++, Python, Verilog).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work with inventors and attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Assist patent lawyers with drafting and replying to patent office communications.
• Analyze technical literature and patent documents related to inventions.
• Conduct code comprehension and reviews to support patentability and infringement opinions.
• Coordinate with foreign counsel and manage documentation per client matters.

Skills

Code reading

C/C++

Python

Verilog

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Technology Specialists in WilmerHale's intellectual property ("IP") practice are involved in a wide variety of types of work supervised by attorneys, including patent prosecution, client counseling, opinions, patent litigation and IP transactional matters. For example, Technology Specialists typically work with inventors; prepare patent applications and replies to communications from patent offices during the patent application process; conduct scientific journal and patent searching on Internet databases; prepare letters of instruction to foreign counsel for foreign counterparts to U.S. patent applications; assist lawyers in the preparation of patentability, validity, freedom to operate and infringement opinions; assist lawyers in reviewing file histories of patents and technical literature; assist with analyses of issues that arise in patent litigation; adhere to a standard of ethics; and participate in special projects and other duties assigned.

We are seeking a Technology Specialist candidate with a bachelor's degree and advanced degree (master’s required, Ph.D. preferred) in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related disciplines. Experience reading, understanding, and analyzing software source code (e.g., C, C++, Python, or Verilog) and related technical documentation is required.

As part of WilmerHale's Technology Specialist Program, a Technology Specialist is expected to attend an ABA accredited law school in its evening division (day programs to be considered on a case by case basis) obtain a law degree in four years, and take and pass the USPTO patent bar examination to become registered as a patent agent. A Technology Specialist may be offered a position to participate in WilmerHale's summer associate program during the summer after his/her third year of law school. If WilmerHale extends an offer for an associate position, a Technology Specialist is then expected to take the appropriate state bar exam and become an associate at WilmerHale. Technology Specialists are eligible to participate in the firm's tuition reimbursement program for law school. Candidates should have strong academic credentials and/or prior work experience as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. Candidates do not need to have prior patent law experience and do not need to be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The Salary Ranges for this role are:

• Level Salary
• Not in School $130,000
• 1st Year in School $150,000
• 2nd Year in School $160,000
• 3rd Year in School $170,000
• 4th Year in School $215,000

WilmerHale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ancestry, age, disability or veteran status, or other protected status.

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