IP Senior Associate Attorney – Life Sciences (CA)
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY – LIFE SCIENCES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual Property, Patent Prosecution & Litigation Practice Group
Location: Palo Alto, CA;
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Our client, a leading international law firm, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Associate Attorney to join its thriving Intellectual Property Practice Group in Palo Alto. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with a strong life sciences background to work on sophisticated patent prosecution and litigation matters involving biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical devices, and digital health. The successful candidate will collaborate with experienced intellectual property attorneys and technical professionals to protect, develop, and enforce clients’ most valuable innovations.
Candidate Profile
JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
Active Bar Admission in in applicable jurisdiction in good standing
3-5 years of substantive post-JD experience in patent prosecution and patent litigation
Undergraduate degree in Biology or a closely related life sciences discipline
PhD in a life sciences field strongly preferred
Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Experience handling patents involving the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, gene therapy, medical device, and digital health industries
Experience with patent portfolio development and management
Familiarity with competitive landscape analyses, patentability assessments, and intellectual property strategy
Experience litigating patent matters in federal district courts and/or before the U.S. International Trade Commission
Familiarity with inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
Strong understanding of how post-grant proceedings may affect pending patent litigation
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving abilities
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
Large law firm or sophisticated intellectual property practice experience preferred
Key Responsibilities
Represent clients in sophisticated life sciences patent prosecution and litigation matters
Draft and prosecute patent applications involving biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, medical devices, digital health, and related technologies
Assist with the development and management of domestic and international patent portfolios
Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, competitive landscape, and intellectual property analyses
Develop litigation strategies for complex patent disputes in federal district courts and other forums
Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests, and other substantive litigation documents
Assist with fact and expert discovery, witness preparation, depositions, hearings, and trial preparation
Represent patent owners and challengers in inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board
Evaluate the potential impact of post-grant proceedings on related patent litigation
Collaborate with attorneys, scientists, technical specialists, and experts to analyze complex technologies and develop effective legal strategies
Work with colleagues across jurisdictions and practice areas to manage domestic and international intellectual property disputes
Advise clients on intellectual property strategy, portfolio development, enforcement, and protection
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to join a globally recognized intellectual property practice that represents clients in complex patent disputes, prosecution matters, and post-grant proceedings. The team works with a diverse client base ranging from emerging life sciences companies to major global corporations with extensive intellectual property portfolios.
Attorneys in this practice handle matters in prominent patent jurisdictions throughout the United States, as well as proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and federal appellate courts. The group’s multidisciplinary approach combines sophisticated litigation capabilities with substantial scientific and technical experience, enabling its attorneys to understand clients’ innovations and the business considerations surrounding their intellectual property.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced litigators, patent practitioners, and attorneys with advanced scientific backgrounds on challenging and commercially significant matters. The firm offers exceptional mentorship, meaningful responsibility, direct client exposure, and a collaborative environment that supports professional development and long-term career growth.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and class year.
Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, parental leave benefits, wellness resources, professional development opportunities, and additional employee perks.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and undergraduate and graduate school transcripts for consideration.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.