Edell, Shapiro & Finnan (“ESF”), an Intellectual Property Boutique, located in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a full-time, immediate, Patent Attorney to join our rapidly growing life sciences practice.

About Us!

We are a fast-growing, thriving, mid-sized IP firm that originated in the mid-80s. We are proud to boast a family-friendly culture, a casual dress code, and a very convenient commute to those living in the suburbs of Montgomery County. We prefer local candidates, as face time is part of the job, but technologically offer the ability to work from home when desired (we are working in a hybrid arrangement). Our ideal candidate has a few years of experience at a high-volume firm, that is looking for a quality of life adjustment.

We serve a diverse client base, which includes small start-up companies, academic institutions, and Fortune 500 companies having some of the world’s largest IP portfolios. This client base values our knowledge, experience, and commitment to their objectives. While we can certainly port in your book of business, this position is primarily to support the firm’s existing client workload capacity. Training will be provided to understand client expectations.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent applications for U.S.-based and some non-U.S.-based companies. Meet with inventors, discuss the technology, and draft patent applications. Understand a wide range of technologies, or be able to quickly get up to speed on technologies.
• Prosecute patent applications before the USPTO, including conducting examiner interviews, filing responses, appeals, etc.
• Instruct non-U.S.-based law firms in the prosecution of patent applications in various countries outside the U.S.
• Conduct patentability, infringement/clearance and validity studies, and related client counseling and opinion rendering.
• Participate in IPR proceedings at USPTO.
• Communicate with outside counsel in connection with all activities mentioned above.
• Work in a wide range of life science technologies including gene silencing, genetic analysis, recombinant antibodies, proteomics, transfection, and protein and small molecule pharmaceuticals.

Qualifications

A successful applicant must possess:

• Minimum of 4-6 years of substantial patent application drafting experience, particularly in the technology areas listed above;
• Registration as a U.S. patent attorney and knowledge of U.S. patent practice and procedures;
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and a license to practice in at least one U.S. state;
• Excellent academic credentials;
• Strong writing, communication, organizational and analytical skills; and
• Graduate-level experience in molecular or cell biology, genetics, or organic chemistry;
• Preference to a candidate with several years of practice and/or client management experience.

Benefits

• Fully paid employee health insurance
• 401k matching
• Health Club Reimbursement
• Firm sponsored LTD/Life
• Employee Assistance Program
• Monthly wellness activities
• Complimentary Parking
• On-site café and walking access to Rio Restaurant District

To apply, please submit your resume, writing sample, and transcripts to Rebecca Reyes, Executive Director.