Patent Agent or Attorney (Video/Audio Processing)

The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Junior to Senior Level Patent Agent, Associate or Senior Counsel. This is an exceptional opportunity to join our growing Electrical and Computer Science IP team with a national and international client base. This position can be based out of any of our offices. The Patent Agent or Associate must have a minimum of 2 years of IP prosecution experience at a firm or in-house.

Ability to draft patent applications and admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are required. Substantial physics/math, optics/photonics, audio and/or image processing experience is a plus. Graduate-level experience or advance technical degree is also a plus, as is experience with codecs, virtual/augmented reality and AI. Our ideal candidate will hold a degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer Engineering or Information Technology and have excellent advanced mathematics skills.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, and start-ups. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Intellectual Property practice group is our largest practice group, with over 150 lawyers and technical professionals, including more than 20 Patent Engineers, Scientists, and Agents. Our IP practice group provides legal services related to all aspects of IP, including prosecution, transactions, portfolio management, and litigation.

The Location

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. This position can be located in our any of our offices.

Job Requirements:

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering
• Excellent academic credentials
• At least two years of in-house or law firm patent prosecution experience

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other:

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 9 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for this role in our California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois offices is between $80,000 - $140,000 for an ESA and between $165,000 - $245,000 for an Associate. The salary range reflects our good-faith expectation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. Individuals in this role are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective or voluntary life, disability, accident coverage, paid holidays, paid time off, and eligible reimbursements. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s 401k plan. Application review will begin promptly and will continue until the position is filled. Submit your application by clicking apply now.