Patent Prosecution Associate – Life Sciences / Biotechnology – Orange County

plug-legal; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 435,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-leading medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) eligibility with profit sharing

Generous paid time off

Job summary

plug-legal is seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate in Orange County to guide innovators in the life sciences sector through the complexities of intellectual property protection. This position requires 1 to 5 years of experience and an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in a relevant field.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and either hold a USPTO registration or have the credentials to sit for the patent bar exam. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 1–5 years of experience in patent prosecution.
• USPTO registration or eligibility to sit for the patent bar within 12 months.
• Deep technical foundation in life sciences.

Responsibilities

• Guide life sciences and biotech innovators through IP protection.
• Draft complex applications for breakthrough therapies.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate and patentability analyses.

Skills

Patent prosecution experience

Effective communication with clients

Technical knowledge in life sciences

Education

Advanced degree in life sciences (Ph.D. preferred)

Job description

Patent Prosecution Associate – Life Sciences / Biotechnology – Orange County

Practice Area: Intellectual Property / Patent Prosecution

Experience: 1–5 years

Requirements: Advanced degree in life sciences (Ph.D. preferred); USPTO registration or eligibility to sit for the patent bar within 12 months.

The Work

You will guide life sciences and biotech innovators through the entire lifecycle of intellectual property protection. This highly strategic, client‑facing role involves building and managing high‑value patent portfolios, drafting complex applications for breakthrough therapies, and conducting critical freedom‑to‑operate (FTO) and patentability analyses. Clients range from venture‑backed Southern California startups to multinational pharmaceutical giants.

Who This Is For

You are an intelligent, scientifically driven attorney with one to five years of patent prosecution experience within a dedicated biotechnology practice. You possess a deep technical foundation—ideally a Ph.D. in a life science discipline (molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or related fields)—and can effectively communicate with founders and chief scientific officers. You either hold a USPTO registration number or have the credentials to sit for and pass the patent bar exam within your first year in the role.

The Platform

The firm offers an elite, global footprint combined with a collaborative, partner‑led mentorship structure in Southern California. You will work alongside recognized leaders in the life sciences field, gaining strategic advisory skills and a clear, predictable trajectory for a long‑term career.

Why Orange County

Orange County is a premier hub for medical device, biotechnology, and life sciences innovation. It offers a high quality of life, a booming local economy, and a collaborative professional ecosystem—without the long commutes of larger metropolitan centers.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $225,000 to $435,000, determined by your class year, technical expertise, and depth of experience. The benefits package includes market‑leading medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) eligibility with profit sharing; generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and parental leave); and robust professional development and bar association support.