Patent Associate (Mechanical)

The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Patent Associate to join our Intellectual Property Practice Group. This position can be based out of our Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, Chicago, Salt Lake City, or Raleigh office. 2-5 years of experience working in patent prosecution at a law firm is required.

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 400 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. Our IP practice group provides legal services related to all aspects of IP, including prosecution, transactions, portfolio management, and litigation.

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 is located in our Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha, Chicago, Salt Lake City, or Raleigh office.

Job Requirements:

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• 2-5 years of experience working in patent prosecution at a law firm, including
  • drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications covering a variety of mechanical or electro-mechanical technologies,
  • conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses, and
  • advising clients on patent strategy.
• J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
• Excellent academic credentials
• Undergraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar engineering discipline (e.g., Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, etc.)
• Graduate-level experience or advanced technical degree is a plus
• Patent Bar eligibility is required. Admission to the USPTO is strongly preferred

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
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines

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
• Ability to receive and learn from feedback

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.

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 Illinois applicants only (as required by the Illinois Equal Pay Act): The annual compensation range for this position in our Chicago office is between $180,000 and $220,000. Compensation is determined based on qualifications and experience. Associates are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s associate 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/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.