Patent Associate

Patent Associate — Full-Time | 3–6 Years Experience | Las VegasAbout the FirmOur client is a nationally recognized, full-service law and government relations firm with a 50+ year track record handling the country's most consequential cases, legislation, and transactions. With more than a dozen offices nationwide and 600+ professionals — including 300+ attorneys and policy advisors — this firm operates at the top of its field in every market it serves.Their IP team is built differently: attorneys who aren't just lawyers — they're former scientists, engineers, software developers, and in-house counsel. That technical depth produces stronger applications, sharper prosecution strategy, and more credible client counsel.Confidential search. The firm's name is shared with qualified candidates only.The RoleWe are placing a Patent Associate with 3–6 years of experience in Las Vegas. This is a high-impact role for an attorney with a strong technical background who wants to work on cutting-edge technologies for some of the world's most innovative companies — with a genuine path to partnership.What You'll DoPatent Prosecution & DraftingDraft patent applications — specifications, claims, and figures — across consumer electronics, software, AI/ML, and adjacent technology areasPrepare and file responses to USPTO Office Actions, including claim amendments and examiner interviewsConduct oral and video examiner interviews to advance prosecution strategyManage USPTO deadlines and all Office communications with precisionDraft continuation, divisional, and CIP applications as part of ongoing portfolio strategyClient Counseling & Inventor RelationsParticipate in inventor disclosure meetings to understand the technical and business scope of new inventionsAdvise clients on patent strategy, claim scope, and portfolio development aligned with business goalsBuild trusted relationships with inventors, engineers, and in-house counselCounsel clients on emerging technology trends and their impact on patentability and competitive positioningOpinions & Strategic WorkPrepare freedom-to-operate (FTO), patentability, invalidity, and non-infringement opinionsConduct patent landscape analyses and prior art searchesSupport IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and licensing transactionsDraft and negotiate IP licensing and technology transfer agreementsPost-Grant ProceedingsPrepare and prosecute IPR and PGR proceedings at the PTABDraft petitions, patent owner responses, and reply briefsHandle ex parte reexamination proceedings and PTAB appealsTechnical Focus AreasDegree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Science required. Prior non-legal technical experience strongly valued, including: consumer electronics, software and web-based services, full-stack development, generative AI, machine learning, data structures, data storage, and databases.What We're Looking ForRequired:J.D. from an ABA-accredited law schoolUSPTO Patent Bar registration — or eligibility to sit for and pass the Patent Bar ExamActive state bar admission in good standing3–6 years of patent prosecution experience at a law firm or in-houseUndergraduate or advanced degree in EE, ME, CS, Software Engineering, or closely related fieldSuperior drafting skills — technically accurate, strategically soundStrong academic credentials and analytical abilityAbility to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneouslyPreferred:Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical disciplinePrior non-legal industry experience in software, AI/ML, or consumer electronicsExperience with PTAB proceedings (IPR, PGR, or ex parte reexamination)International prosecution experience (PCT, EPO, or foreign associate coordination)Why This RoleCutting-edge technology portfolio — AI, machine learning, advanced software, consumer electronicsTechnical peers who actually understand the technology, not just the lawNine office locations — real geographic flexibilityMentorship from nationally recognized IP attorneysClear, supported path to partnershipCompensation:$220,000-$305,000 per year