What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patent Prosecution Associate | 3+ Years experience | Washington, D.C. | Hybrid $140,000–$260,000 position at Watts & Associates Recruitment?
Patent Prosecution Associate | 3 Years experience | Washington, D.C. | Hybrid
$140,000–$260,000
Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a fast-growing Am Law 100 national full-service law firm seeking a mid-level Patent Prosecution Associate to join its Washington, D.C. office.
This opportunity offers direct access to sophisticated patent portfolios involving advanced technology and emerging innovations.
The successful attorney will take meaningful ownership of patent drafting and prosecution while working closely with experienced partners, technical professionals and sophisticated clients across a national platform.
Company Highlights
- Fast-rising Am Law 100 firm that has advanced significantly in the national rankings over the past decade
- Nationally recognised patent prosecution practice ranked in the IAM Patent 1000
- Chambers-ranked Washington, D.C. patent prosecution team
- National Tier 1 recognition for Patent Law and Technology Law in the Best Law Firms guide
- Broad full-service platform supporting technology, life sciences, corporate and commercial clients
- Strong associate feedback for mentorship, career development, meaningful responsibility and direct client interaction
- Structured career-planning support, including individual development plans and access to senior firm mentors
- National recognition for associate satisfaction, quality of life, culture, autonomy, pro bono work and technology integration
The Role
The successful attorney will support and manage patent preparation and prosecution for a diverse technology-focused client base, including:
- Drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications
- Managing patent portfolios involving electrical engineering and software-related technologies
- Preparing responses to USPTO office actions
- Conducting prior-art and patentability analysis
- Advising clients on invention capture and patent strategy
- Working with inventors, in-house counsel and technical experts
- Ensuring the quality, accuracy and timely filing of patent applications
- Taking increasing ownership of client relationships and portfolio management
The practice is particularly interested in experience involving technologies such as:
- Graphics and tensor processing units
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Neural engines and accelerators
- Robotics circuitry and actuators
- Telecommunications
- Software and computer systems
- Hardware and communications security
Ideal Candidate Profile
The firm is seeking a mid-level associate with:
- At least three years of relevant patent preparation and prosecution experience
- Significant experience drafting patent applications involving electrical engineering or software-related technologies
- Admission to practise before the USPTO
- A J.D. and active bar admission in DC
- An undergraduate or advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, computer science, physics or mathematics
- Strong academic achievement
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience gained within a sophisticated law firm, engineering or technology environment
The strongest candidates will be able to manage substantive prosecution work independently while collaborating effectively with partners, clients, inventors and technical professionals.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This position offers the opportunity to join an established national patent prosecution practice with:
- National and Washington, D.C.-specific recognition for patent prosecution
- Sophisticated work involving rapidly developing technologies
- Meaningful drafting and portfolio responsibility
- Direct interaction with clients and inventors
- Accessible senior lawyers and formal mentoring
- Individualised career-development planning
- A collaborative national platform without the bureaucracy often associated with larger firms
- A credible route to senior associate, counsel or shareholder progression
The firm’s associate-development model is particularly distinctive. Attorneys receive practical training, direct feedback and support in creating a career path aligned with their professional goals. More senior associates may select a shareholder or practice leader to assist them in developing a personalised long-term plan.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range is $140,000–$260,000 base, depending on experience, qualifications and other relevant factors.
The firm also offers:
- Performance-based discretionary bonus opportunities
- Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Professional-development and mentoring programmes
- Pro bono opportunities
- An anticipated annual billable expectation of approximately 1,900 hours for lateral associates
- A hybrid working arrangement currently requiring four days per week in the office
To discuss the opportunity and your potential application discreetly, please apply with your résumé for a confidential consideration.
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Salary : $140,000 - $260,000