What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patent & Trademark Prosecution Attorney position at Tomlinson & Shapiro, P.C.?
Tomlinson & Shapiro, P.C. | Chicago, IL (Hybrid) or Remote (U.S.)
At Tomlinson & Shapiro, we believe sophisticated legal work doesn't require unnecessary bureaucracy. We are a growing, entrepreneurial law firm serving innovative businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, and we're looking for an experienced attorney who wants to help build something—not simply bill hours.
Our intellectual property practice continues to grow rapidly. We have significant patent prosecution demand, while our trademark practice continues to expand alongside our clients' businesses. We are looking for an attorney who is comfortable managing both patent and trademark prosecution matters and enjoys working directly with clients to protect and grow their intellectual property portfolios.
If you're someone who enjoys solving complex legal problems, building trusted client relationships, and helping shape the future of a growing practice, we'd like to talk.
What You'll Do
As part of our team, you'll work directly with clients ranging from startups to established businesses. You'll have substantial responsibility and autonomy while collaborating closely with experienced attorneys.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications
- Managing domestic and international patent prosecution matters
- Preparing, filing, and prosecuting trademark applications before the USPTO
- Responding to Office Actions for patents and trademarks
- Conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, and trademark clearance analyses
- Advising clients on intellectual property strategy and portfolio development
- Counseling clients regarding IP protection and litigation risk
- Working directly with inventors, founders, executives, and business owners
- Collaborating with attorneys on litigation strategy when IP disputes arise
- Helping grow and develop our expanding intellectual property practice
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines strong technical legal skills with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Our ideal candidate has:
- 4 years of legal experience (mid-level or senior)
- Experience prosecuting both patent and trademark applications
- Registration to practice before the USPTO (required)
- Excellent legal writing and analytical skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Confidence communicating directly with sophisticated clients
- Experience advising clients on legal and business risk
- A collaborative approach while also being comfortable working independently
- A genuine desire to continue learning and expanding their expertise
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is curious, proactive, and excited about helping build a growing practice.
Why Tomlinson Shapiro?
We intentionally keep our team lean so our attorneys have meaningful client relationships, real responsibility, and opportunities for growth.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Work directly with clients instead of through multiple layers of management
- Help shape and grow an expanding intellectual property practice
- Build your own book of business with meaningful support
- Develop professionally in an entrepreneurial environment
- Handle sophisticated matters for innovative companies
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $150,000- $200,000, depending on experience depending on experience.
In addition, we offer:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Business origination bonuses
- Billable-hours bonuses
- Discretionary performance bonuses
- Hybrid schedule for attorneys located in the Chicago area
- Remote opportunities for qualified candidates located elsewhere in the United States
If you're looking for a firm where your work has a direct impact on clients—and where your contributions help shape the future of the practice—we'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you.