Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney – Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

LeoForce; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 215,000 - 355,000; Full time

Job summary

Am Law Global 100 firm seeks a Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering. The role involves drafting and prosecuting patent applications across mechanical, aerospace, electrical, software, and related technologies. Hybrid work model with in-office days.

Ideal candidates have a J.D., state bar admission, and USPTO registration preferred, plus an engineering background and strong legal writing skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the applicable state bar.
• Strong preference for registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications involving mechanical, aerospace, electrical, software, and related technologies.
• Develop prosecution strategy and counsel clients on building and maximizing the value of intellectual property portfolios.
• Work closely with former patent examiners, engineers, patent strategists, and patent litigators.
• Analyze inventions, prior art, office actions, and claim scope; prepare persuasive responses and amendments.
• Communicate directly with inventors, in-house legal teams, and business stakeholders.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Mechanical/Aerospace engineering

USPTO registration

Legal writing

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Admission to state bar

Engineering degree (mechanical/aerospace/electrical/CS)

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney – Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

6881288

Location: Washington,DC, US

Date Posted: 08-10-2026

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $215,000 - $355,000 per year

Job Details

Locations: Washington, D.C. 20001 | New York, NY 10036 | Los Angeles, CA 90067

Level: Junior to Mid-Level Associate

Experience: 1–3 years of patent prosecution experience; at least 2 years of legal practice for associate candidates

The Opportunity

• Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications involving complex mechanical, aerospace, electrical, software, and related technologies.
• Develop prosecution strategy and counsel clients on building and maximizing the value of intellectual property portfolios.
• Work closely with former patent examiners, engineers, patent strategists, and patent litigators.
• Analyze inventions, prior art, office actions, and claim scope; prepare persuasive responses and amendments.
• Communicate directly with inventors, in-house legal teams, and business stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the applicable state bar.
• Strong preference for registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent academic credentials, legal writing, analytical ability, and attention to technical detail.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience as a USPTO patent examiner.
• Relevant aerospace, engine-technology, engineering, or industry experience.

A bit about us

A prominent Am Law Global 100 firm with a national platform is expanding several sophisticated practices across its major U.S. offices. The firm combines the resources and market visibility of a large full-service platform with a reputation for collegiality, early responsibility, direct client exposure, and practical, business-oriented legal advice. Its strengths span complex litigation, regulatory work, corporate transactions, real estate, intellectual property, investigations, and government-facing matters.

Why join us

• Compensation: $215,000–$355,000 base salary
• Work Model - Hybrid: generally three days per week in office | Billable target: 1,850 hours
• National platform with leading practices across litigation, intellectual property, corporate transactions, regulatory counseling, and real estate.
• Recognized for strong associate development, substantive responsibility, partner access, and extensive professional training.
• Hybrid structure generally requiring three days per week in the office.
• Associate billable target: 1,850 hours annually; total annual time expectation: 2,200 hours, including approved professional development, pro bono, firm citizenship, and business development activities.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, well-being resources, mentorship, and advancement opportunities.
• Salary ranges below are the employer's published base-salary ranges and may vary based on class year, experience, credentials, office, and role.