Patent Associate Engineering

Profile

Job Overview:
A distinguished law firm seeks a highly motivated Patent Associate with 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience to join its dynamic intellectual property practice. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in engineering or related disciplines, as well as a demonstrable interest in life sciences. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced technologies and biological innovation, supporting clients ranging from startups to global enterprises.

Location:

• Palo Alto, CA

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in the U.S. and internationally

• Conduct prior art searches and analyze patent landscapes

• Provide legal opinions on patentability, freedom-to-operate, and validity

• Support IP due diligence for licensing and transactional matters

• Collaborate with inventors, technical experts, and in-house counsel

• Advise clients on IP strategy and portfolio development

• Assist in training junior team members and contribute to knowledge sharing

Requirements:

• 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm setting

• Strong interest or background in life sciences (academic or industry experience)

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines

• Excellent judgment and client communication skills

• Strong legal research and writing ability

Education:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

• Technical degree (B.S. or higher) in:

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

  • Or a closely related discipline

• Advanced degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred

Certifications:

• Active membership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

• State bar admission in one of the listed office locations (or ability to obtain)

Skills:

• Exceptional technical and legal writing skills

• Strong interpersonal and client service skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Attention to detail and precision in complex legal/technical matters

• Familiarity with global patent systems a plus

Benefits:

• Discretionary merit-based bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 behavioral health and virtual counseling access

• Healthcare coverage for employee and eligible family

• Paid parental leave and family-building benefits (IVF, adoption, surrogacy, etc.)

• Concierge parenting and telemedicine support

• In-home and center-based backup childcare

• Career coaching for working parents

• Academic support and tutoring benefits for children

• Health Savings Accounts with firm contributions

• Flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care)

• 401(k) plan with firm match

• Commuter and parking benefits

• Comprehensive life, disability, and supplemental insurance options

• Voluntary insurance offerings: long-term care, critical illness, ID theft, pet coverage

• Medicare consulting resources

• Firm-paid CLE, bar review, and bar dues

Company info

BCG Attorney Search
228 Hamilton Ave, 3rd Floor
Palo Alto
California
United States 94301
Phone : (650) 752-1500
Fax : (213) 895-7306