Patent Attorney - Biology

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Patent Attorney specializing in biology to join their Life Science Practice Group. This mid-level position is perfect for a candidate with 3-5 years of patent prosecution experience who is eager to leverage their biological sciences expertise. In this collaborative environment, you'll manage patent applications for a diverse range of clients, mentor junior associates, and contribute to business development efforts. If you are ambitious and ready to take on leadership responsibilities, this role offers substantial opportunities for professional growth while working on innovative technologies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of patent prosecution experience in biotech or life sciences.
• PhD or Master's degree in biology or related field required.

Responsibilities

• Manage patent prosecution for diverse clients including Fortune 100 companies.
• Conduct prior art searches and provide strategic patent advice.

Skills

Patent Prosecution

Client Management

Legal Analysis

Communication Skills

Time Management

Technical Research

Team Development

Education

PhD in Biology or related field

Master's degree with industry experience

Job description

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McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (MBHB) is currently accepting applications for an Associate Attorney with a biology background to join our Life Science Practice Group. This is a mid-level position ideally suited for an attorney with 3-5 years of patent prosecution experience, looking to advance their legal career while applying their biological sciences expertise. The successful candidate will work with clients in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries, with a focus on protein and nucleic acid technologies, cell biology, and antibodies.

MBHB offers a collaborative environment with substantial opportunities for growth. The firm values technical expertise and legal acumen, and we’re looking for someone who is not only ambitious and adaptable but also eager to take on leadership responsibilities as part of our pipeline efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to build relationships, contribute to client success, and advance in your legal career while working on innovative and groundbreaking technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patent Prosecution: Manage patent prosecution for a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 100 companies, startups, and academic institutions. Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications while ensuring high-quality, timely deliverables.
• Client & Inventor Collaboration: Attend invention disclosure meetings with clients to understand their technologies and provide technical insights that inform patent strategies. Maintain strong, professional relationships with clients, effectively communicating complex technical concepts to both legal and non-legal audiences while representing the firm's technical expertise and providing clear, strategic advice.
• Prior Art Search & Analysis: Conduct detailed technical research and prior art searches to support patent filings and strategy development.
• Legal Work: Demonstrate the ability to perform work independently with minimal oversight. Contribute to the firm's business development efforts by identifying opportunities for clients and the firm’s growth.
• Budget & Time Management: Effectively manage client budgets and timelines, ensuring efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality output. Demonstrate excellent time management skills.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Mentor junior associates, patent agents, and other team members. Help build a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture and support leadership pipeline planning within the firm.
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay abreast of industry developments, scientific advancements, and legal trends in patent law. Exhibit an eagerness to continue learning and growing both in your technical and legal expertise.

Qualifications:

Education:

• PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related life sciences field. A Master's degree with substantial industry or research experience may also be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of patent prosecution experience in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences.
• Familiarity with working in protein and nucleic acid technologies, cell biology, antibodies, and bioinformatics is highly preferred.
• Experience working with academic institutions, startups, and mid-sized companies in the biotech or pharma space.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois (or licensed in another state and qualified to sit for the Illinois Bar Exam).
• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex scientific concepts in legal and technical terms.
• Legal analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and strategically in patent prosecution.
• Strong client management abilities, with the capacity to develop long-term relationships and deliver excellent service.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ambition, adaptability, and a desire to develop professionally, with an interest in taking on leadership responsibilities in the future.
• Proactive in seeking feedback, managing time, and continually improving.

MBHB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other protected group status under the law. MBHB is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with regulations adopted by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal and Science

• Industries

  Law Practice

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition assistance

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