Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP is a Chicago-based intellectual property law firm having over 85 attorneys, highly qualified patent agents, and technical specialists, all dedicated to providing superior intellectual property counseling. We specialize in prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property law. We litigate nationwide, primarily within the federal court system, and obtain patents and trademark registrations for our clients in the United States and foreign patent and trademark offices.
We are currently seeking a talented Associate or Patent Agent with at least 2 years of patent application drafting/prosecution experience to join our Biotechnology practice group.
Associate Credentials
- Strong academic credentials, including having graduated in the top third of your law school class, and having obtained at a minimum a Master’s degree in Biology or similar fields, with a preference for doctorate degree. Candidates should have at least a 3.0 GPA in all levels of education.
- At least 2-6 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience.
- License to practice law in Illinois (or licensed to practice law in another state and qualified to sit for the Illinois bar exam), and admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Excellent communication skills--both written and verbal--and exceptional organizational skills.
Responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and prosecuting patent applications relating to biotechnology inventions, investigating and preparing non-infringement and invalidity opinions, occasionally participating in patent litigation to provide technical support, and performing related client counseling tasks.
- This position demands that the individual will assume significant client responsibilities, provide high-quality services to domestic and foreign clients, communicate with all levels of management and staff and, at times, will require a significant degree of autonomy.
Patent Agent Credentials
- Strong academic credentials, including having graduated in the top third of your law school class, and having obtained at a minimum a Master’s degree in Biology or similar fields, with a preference for doctorate degree. Candidates should have at least a 3.0 GPA in all levels of education.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and exceptional organizational skills.
- Ability to grasp new technical teachings quickly.
- Ability to efficiently review patent and non-patent literature for key concepts.
- Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is required.
Responsibilities will include:
- Interviewing inventors to learn about new ideas to be patented. Our clients include some of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced companies.
- Preparing patent applications, which includes drafting technical descriptions describing the inventions, as well as analyzing publications relating to biological sciences.
- This position demands that the individual will, under the supervision of senior practitioners, assume significant client responsibilities, provide high-quality services to domestic and foreign clients, communicate with all levels of management and staff and, at times, require a significant degree of autonomy.
Compensation for this position includes an annual salary highly competitive within the Chicago market for law firm associates or patent agents (based on level of experience), along with customary benefits and opportunities to earn significant bonuses. Customary benefits include:
- Group Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Employee and Dependent Medical Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Accident and Critical Illness Plans
- Short-Term Disability Program
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(K), Profit Sharing and Vesting
- Pre-Tax Transportation Plan
- Identify Theft Protection
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- Bright Horizons-Back-Up Child, Adult, and Elder Care
- Stipend and Interest Free Loan Program
- Moving Expenses
- Bar Fees and Related Expenses
- Continuing Legal Education
- Holiday and Paid Time Off
- Bonuses
In addition to our generous benefits package, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun offers a culture with great work-life balance in a business-casual atmosphere. Ample opportunity for socialization between our colleagues is encouraged and enjoyed at virtual happy hours and firm-wide GoToMeeting or Zoom events. In addition, we look forward to the return of our monthly breakfasts, special-occasion luncheons, social gatherings, and out-of-office functions when circumstances permit.
Marshall Gerstein is committed to diversity, equity & inclusion and to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of the most talented and qualified professionals. We recognize that diversity at all levels of our firm, and the collective strength of our differences, enables us to better serve our clients, create enduring relationships, provide a platform for continued success, and improve both the vibrancy and innovation of our working environment.
Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to an employment policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not necessarily limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Supplemental Pay:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60606: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Education:
License/Certification:
- Registration with with US Patent and Trademark Office? (Required)
Work Location: One location