Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney (Chemistry)

Job overview

Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney (Chemistry) is a hybrid role associated with Chicago, IL; the posting lists locations in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, DC, Houston, Minneapolis, Newport Beach, New York, Redwood City, San Diego, and Wilmington. The salary range is $225,000–$260,000 per year. Direct Counsel is recruiting for a leading intellectual property firm serving innovators in chemistry and life sciences. The attorney drafts and prosecutes patent applications and advises on patentability, freedom to operate, validity, and portfolio strategy. The work supports clients’ protection and management of intellectual property in chemistry, pharmaceutical, and small-molecule technologies.

What you'll do

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications related to chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and small-molecule technologies
• conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and validity analyses
• collaborate with inventors, scientists, and in-house counsel
• develop and manage global patent portfolio strategies
• provide legal and technical analysis on intellectual property matters
• work with attorneys and technical specialists.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

full-time

patent prosecution associate attorney

chemistry

hybrid

chicago il

direct counsel

intellectual property

patent applications

pharmaceuticals

small molecules

uspto registration

ph.d. chemistry

$225k–$260k/year

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Hybrid work flexibility
• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• technology stipend
• wellness initiatives
• family-friendly benefits and support resources
• professional development opportunities.

Why this role

Requires a J.D., active membership in at least one U.S. state bar, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office registration, a Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related field, and 1–3 years of chemistry-focused patent prosecution experience.

About the employer

Direct Counsel is hiring for this role. Industry: Offices of Lawyers. Sector: 54.