What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Patent Attorney (Life Sciences / Chemistry) position at Hylton-Rodic Law?
Description
If you want to actually practice law—not just survive it—keep reading.
You’ve put in the work: advanced science degree, law school, maybe a year or two at a firm. But instead of growing, you’re buried in bureaucracy, rigid hierarchy, or unclear expectations.
This role is different.
At Hylton-Rodic Law, you won’t sit on the sidelines.
You’ll do real work, early, in a firm that values both precision and people.
What This Role Actually Does
You will take active ownership of patent work—not just assist.
What You’ll Be Measured On
By 30 days:
You’re contributing real work and learning our systems
By 60 Days
You’re handling matters with moderate oversight and hitting billables
By 90 Days
You’re managing your own docket and operating with growing independence
This Role Is NOT For You If
Required Background
We’re a boutique IP firm focused on life sciences—chemicals, pharma, and beyond.
We Are
If you want to do meaningful legal work early, grow quickly, and be part of a firm that’s building something—apply.
If you’re looking to coast, avoid accountability, or be told what to do every day—this isn’t the role.
Application Requirements
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this role and in working at a smaller, non-corporate law firm.
If you want to actually practice law—not just survive it—keep reading.
You’ve put in the work: advanced science degree, law school, maybe a year or two at a firm. But instead of growing, you’re buried in bureaucracy, rigid hierarchy, or unclear expectations.
This role is different.
At Hylton-Rodic Law, you won’t sit on the sidelines.
You’ll do real work, early, in a firm that values both precision and people.
What This Role Actually Does
You will take active ownership of patent work—not just assist.
- Draft and prosecute patent applications (primarily life sciences / chemistry)
- Respond to office actions and support USPTO interactions
- Manage your own docket (with guidance early, independence quickly)
- Communicate with clients on execution-level matters
- Work directly with legal assistants to move matters forward
What You’ll Be Measured On
- Billable performance realization rate and budget targets
- Quality of work product (low revision, zero missed deadlines)
- Turnaround speed (we work ahead, not reactively)
- Docket ownership (organization is non-negotiable)
- Communication (internally and with clients)
By 30 days:
You’re contributing real work and learning our systems
By 60 Days
You’re handling matters with moderate oversight and hitting billables
By 90 Days
You’re managing your own docket and operating with growing independence
This Role Is NOT For You If
- You need constant direction or hand-holding
- You struggle with organization or deadlines
- You want to “ease into” practicing law
- You’re here for lifestyle but not performance
- You resist feedback or think you already know everything
Required Background
- Life sciences or chemistry background (MS/PhD required)
- JD and Patent Bar equired
- 0–2 years of relevant experience (firm experience preferred)
- Basic familiarity with patent drafting/prosecution
- Humble, coachable, and eager to improve
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Proactive—you don’t wait, you move
- Flexible in a growing, evolving environment
- Genuinely enjoys the science and the work
We’re a boutique IP firm focused on life sciences—chemicals, pharma, and beyond.
We Are
- Growth-oriented (BD-driven, expanding client base)
- Non-corporate in culture
- Serious about both quality of work and quality of life
- Reasonable billable expectations (~1700 range)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) and commuter benefits
- Mental health days birthday leave
- “Sunshine Fridays” (early Fridays when targets are met)
- A collaborative, respectful team environment
If you want to do meaningful legal work early, grow quickly, and be part of a firm that’s building something—apply.
If you’re looking to coast, avoid accountability, or be told what to do every day—this isn’t the role.
Application Requirements
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this role and in working at a smaller, non-corporate law firm.