What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patent Prosecution & Litigation Associate (Electrical/CS)- Houston position at Direct Counsel?
Direct Counsel represents a prestigious AmLaw firm seeking a Patent Prosecution & Litigation Associate to join its Intellectual Property practice in Houston, Texas. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 2–5 years of patent prosecution experience and a technical background in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
The ideal candidate will have experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications and an interest in working with cutting-edge technologies, including software, artificial intelligence, energy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
Location: Houston
Responsibilities:
- Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
- Conduct patent portfolio development and strategic counseling
- Work on patent matters involving software, AI, energy, manufacturing, and related technologies
- Support patent litigation, post-grant proceedings, and intellectual property enforcement matters as needed
- Collaborate directly with clients on innovation and intellectual property strategy
- Conduct legal and technical research related to patentability and intellectual property protection
- Assist with due diligence and other IP-related transactional matters
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- 2–5 years of patent prosecution experience, including patent application drafting
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field
- Experience with software, artificial intelligence, energy, manufacturing, or related technologies preferred
- Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Licensed or eligible for admission to the Texas Bar
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong analytical, organizational, and client service skills
- Outstanding academic credentials
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Professional development and advancement opportunities
- Exposure to national and international clients across innovative industries
Additional Information:
- This position is subject to applicable U.S. export control laws.