An IP specialist and patent agent candidate should be a self-motivated, entrepreneurial, collaborative and intellectually curious scientist with an advanced degree in one of the following fields: cell or molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, pharmacology, biophysics, or digital health focused disciplines. Previous law firm or industry experience is a plus.
Responsibilities include working with the firm’s clients in all aspects of patent prosecution, including in evaluating invention disclosures, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, conducting landscape studies including analyzing third party patents. IP specialist and patent agent candidates should also have strong written and verbal communications skills, organizational skills, and the ability to balance and prioritize a variety or work projects.
At Wilson Sonsini, IP specialists and patent agents will work under the mentorship of skilled patent attorneys to learn patent prosecution and will have the opportunity to participate in the firm’s law school program while working as a patent agent. IP specialist candidates must be qualified to sit for the USPTO patent bar and are required to take and pass the exam prior to starting at the firm. LSAT and imminent plans to attend law school strongly preferred.
Our IP specialists and patent agents collaborate closely with our patent attorneys, receiving both formal and informal training and mentorship. They have the opportunity to work with attorneys across our offices, serving both US and international clients. Our working group and firm culture values diverse perspectives, collaboration, and high-performance, while respecting work-life balance and prioritizing mentoring, training, and professional development. Relocation not available. Search firm submissions not accepted.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range of $145,000 – $210,000, based on step level.
- Discretionary merit bonuses may also be awarded.
- Our benefits include:
- Monthly wellness reimbursements
- 24/7 emotional and behavioral health support and virtual counseling
- Healthcare coverage for you and your same- or opposite-sex spouse/domestic partner and children up to age 26
- Family-building benefits including IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and egg-freezing
- Paid parental leave
- Parenting support concierge and telemedicine
- Parents and caregivers resource group
- Career coaching for working parents
- In-home and center-based back-up childcare
- Tutoring and college coach for older children
- Health Savings Accounts with firm contribution
- Flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Pretax commuter and parking benefits
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Voluntary long term care insurance
- Voluntary critical illness, hospitalization, and accident insurance
- Voluntary ID theft protection
- Voluntary pet insurance
- Medicare consulting
- Firm-paid CLE, bar review fees, and bar dues