Description
Patterson + Sheridan, LLP is currently seeking an experienced Associate to support our intellectual property practice, with a focus on software and electronics. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering, and have 5+ years of strong patent prosecution experience. This position is a full-time, exempt role with flexibility depending on the candidate’s location and experience.
The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering, and have 5+ years of strong patent prosecution experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Low-level software applications, including work relating to operating systems, computer networks, storage systems, or other computer related fields
- Electro-mechanical medical devices
- Sensors, such as implantable sensors
- Imaging and visualization systems
- Optics
- Robotics and complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
- Cybersecurity
- Wireless communications
- Batteries and other electric vehicle applications
- This position is a full-time, exempt role, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s location and experience.
What You’ll Work On
You will support sophisticated clients in protecting innovation across a broad range of software and technology-driven matters, including:
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications relating to software
- Managing patent portfolios
- Developing prosecution strategy in close collaboration with partners and clients
- Working directly with inventors, in-house counsel, and business stakeholders
- Advising on patentability, claim strategy, and portfolio development
- Supporting client needs across fast-moving and evolving technology sectors
- Assisting with freedom-to-operate and landscape studies
- Assisting with infringement and invalidity opinions
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This role presents a compelling opportunity for the right candidate to step into a highly visible position supporting one of the firm’s cornerstone clients and helping grow an expanding software practice. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to have:
- Direct Impact with a High-Profile Client: Immediate, hands-on work with a cornerstone client on sophisticated, cutting-edge matters
- Meaningful Client Contact: Opportunity to directly interface with the client, build trusted relationships, and help manage portfolios
- Build, Not Just Bill: A chance to play an instrumental role in shaping and expanding an important practice area
- Autonomy and Ownership: Significant responsibility and independence, with room to take ownership of matters and client workflows
- Accelerated Path to Advancement: Close partner access and a lean team structure that supports faster professional growth and long-term leadership opportunities
- Mentorship Opportunities: Ability over time to help guide and mentor more junior associates as the practice continues to grow
About Patterson + Sheridan
Patterson + Sheridan is a boutique intellectual property firm with a collaborative culture and a national platform. We provide sophisticated IP services to clients ranging from emerging companies to global market leaders, and we are committed to helping our attorneys build meaningful practices with strong mentorship, client access, and long-term growth opportunities.
Requirements
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Admission to at least one state bar and in good standing
- Registration before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office preferred, or eligibility to sit for the patent bar depending on technical background
- Meaningful patent prosecution experience, ideally with software, computer science, or related technologies
- Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with partners and clients
- Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and excellent project-management skills
