Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Practice: Intellectual Property, Patent Prosecution (Life Sciences / Biotechnology)

Experience Level: 2–5 Years

Salary Range: $225,000 – $435,000

About the Firm

A leading global law firm with more than 2,000 lawyers across major financial and regulatory centers worldwide is seeking a mid-level associate to join its Intellectual Property, Life Sciences practice in Chicago.

The firm’s IP group advises clients across the full spectrum of intellectual property matters, including patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio strategy, licensing, litigation support, and technology transactions.

The Life Sciences practice represents a broad range of clients, from emerging biotechnology companies and venture-backed startups to established pharmaceutical and medical device companies, helping them protect and commercialize breakthrough innovations in highly technical scientific fields.

The team is known for combining deep scientific expertise with sophisticated patent strategy, with many attorneys holding advanced degrees in life sciences disciplines.

The Opportunity

The firm is seeking an associate (2–5 years’ experience) with patent prosecution experience in biotechnology or related life sciences technologies.

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and research clients, advising on the protection and strategic management of high-value intellectual property assets.

Associates will work closely with experienced patent practitioners and leading scientists to develop comprehensive patent strategies supporting innovative technologies from early-stage research through commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

Associates in this role will support clients across the full patent lifecycle, including:

• Drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications for biotechnology and life sciences innovations
• Preparing responses to USPTO office actions and examiner communications
• Conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses
• Advising clients on patent portfolio strategy and protection of core technologies
• Supporting global patent portfolio management across multiple jurisdictions
• Assisting with IP due diligence in transactions, collaborations, and investments
• Working closely with scientists, inventors, and in-house counsel to identify and protect patentable innovations
• Supporting post-grant proceedings and patent landscape analysis, where relevant

Technologies commonly handled by the team include:

• Molecular biology
• Gene and cell therapy technologies
• Immunology and vaccines
• Biopharmaceuticals and biologics
• Diagnostics and therapeutic platforms
• Genome editing and next-generation biotech innovations

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have:

• 2-5 years of patent prosecution experience, ideally within a law firm intellectual property practice
• Advanced degree in a life sciences discipline, preferably a Ph.D., such as:
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• USPTO Patent Bar membership (USPTO Registration Number)
• Strong academic credentials in both law and scientific training
• Excellent written and analytical skills, particularly in drafting patent applications and translating complex scientific concepts into clear claims

Candidates must either:

• Already be admitted to the USPTO Patent Bar, or
• Be prepared to take and pass the Patent Bar exam within the first 12 months of joining.

Nice-to-Have Experience

The following experience would be advantageous but is not required:

• Experience advising biotechnology or pharmaceutical clients
• Exposure to global patent prosecution strategies
• Experience conducting freedom-to-operate or patent landscape analyses
• Experience supporting IP due diligence in venture capital or M&A transactions
• Prior experience working in scientific research or laboratory environments

Compensation

For positions in Illinois, the base salary range is $225,000 – $435,000, depending on experience, expertise, and market factors.

Compensation may also include bonuses and additional benefits, forming part of the overall total compensation package.

Benefits

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support attorneys’ professional development and personal wellbeing, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Disability insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Professional development and training programs
• Mentorship and career progression opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements depending on practice needs

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

1. Work on Cutting-Edge Science - You will work with companies developing next-generation biotechnology, pharmaceutical therapies, and breakthrough medical technologies.

2. High-Level Patent Strategy - The role involves sophisticated patent work including global portfolio strategy, freedom-to-operate analysis, and strategic IP protection for valuable innovations.

3. Deep Scientific Environment - Many practitioners within the team hold Ph.D.-level scientific training, creating a highly technical and intellectually engaging practice.

4. Diverse Client Base - Clients range from early-stage biotech startups to multinational pharmaceutical companies, providing exposure to a wide variety of technologies and legal challenges.

5. Strong Career Development - Associates benefit from mentorship, structured training, and clear progression pathways within a leading global IP platform.

Ideal Candidate

This opportunity is particularly suited to attorneys who:

• Have a strong scientific background in biotechnology or related life sciences
• Enjoy working at the intersection of science, law, and innovation
• Want exposure to high-value intellectual property work
• Are looking to grow their career within a top-tier international law firm platform

Interested? Apply with your resume and we will be in touch to discuss the role and firm further.