Life Sciences IP Associate – Prosecution & Litigation

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

Job summary

WilmerHale is seeking a highly motivated Intellectual Property Associate Attorney to join our thriving IP practice. This role involves cutting‑edge patent prosecution and litigation matters and can be based in our Boston, Denver, New York, Palo Alto or Washington, DC offices.

The successful candidate will have 3–5 years of post‑JD experience with a strong focus on both patent prosecution and litigation, and should possess a JD, biology background, and preferably a Life Sciences PhD.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Undergraduate degree 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 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 of the position (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.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute and litigate patent matters for biotech and life sciences clients.
• Collaborate with a team of experienced attorneys on complex IP matters.
• Contribute to portfolio management and competitive landscape analyses.
• Support clients in diverse patent prosecution and litigation initiatives.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Litigation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Biology degree

PhD in Life Sciences

Job description

WilmerHale is seeking a highly motivated Intellectual Property Associate Attorney to join our thriving IP practice. This role involves cutting‑edge patent prosecution and litigation matters and can be based in our Boston, Denver, New York, Palo Alto or Washington, DC offices.

The successful candidate will have 3–5 years of post‑JD experience with a strong focus on both patent prosecution and litigation, and should possess a JD, biology background, and preferably a Life Sciences PhD.