Lateral Associate (1st year - 3rd year), Mechanical & Design Group

Overview

The organization is seeking a Lateral Associate to join the Mechanical & Design Group. This role is for attorneys with a strong technical background and experience (or strong interest) in design and utility patent prosecution.

The Mechanical & Design Group handles a broad intellectual property practice, including preparation and prosecution of utility patents, along with trademark and copyright matters. As an Associate, you will help create, protect, monetize, and enforce clients’ intellectual property rights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive prior art searches to assess novelty and non-obviousness of design and utility patent claims
• Assist clients in developing and managing design and utility patent portfolios
• Draft design patent applications focused on the aesthetic and ornamental aspects of products and components
• Draft utility patent applications addressing novel and inventive functional aspects of mechanical technologies
• Prepare detailed patent specifications, including descriptions, drawings, and claims
• Respond to Patent Office actions and participate in patent prosecution to advance clients’ intellectual property objectives
• Stay current on developments in design and utility patent laws, regulations, and practices to provide informed guidance to clients

Requirements

• J.D. and an active license to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction
• Eligibility to waive into the District of Columbia Bar or willingness and eligibility to sit for the D.C. Bar examination
• USPTO registration number, or ability to sit for the exam
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• 1 to 3 years of experience in utility patent prosecution
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent analytical, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset
• Desire to build on formal and informal training and mentoring

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in design and utility patent prosecution

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting base salary range: $190,000 to $225,000
• Billable hour goal: 1,900 hours
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an on-site Wellness Center, a 401(k) plan, relocation assistance, backup childcare, wellness programs, and firm-paid life and disability insurance
• Compensation philosophy: The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.

Location and Work Arrangement

• The Mechanical & Design Group prefers Associates to be based in the Washington, DC area or willing to relocate to the area
• Fully remote arrangements may be considered for the right candidate