Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate — Intellectual Property (Atlanta)

A nationally regarded intellectual property department is seeking an associate with 1–4 years of life sciences patent prosecution experience to join its growing life sciences patent team. The group helps sophisticated clients protect and leverage innovations at the frontier of pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-biotech technologies.

The role offers direct engagement with clients and inventors, meaningful responsibility from the outset, and the opportunity to grow that responsibility alongside judgment and client relationships. You will draft and prosecute U.S. and international applications, prepare responses to Office Actions, participate in examiner interviews and appeals, and develop global filing and prosecution strategies aligned with clients' scientific and commercial goals.

Beyond prosecution, the position involves patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity and invalidity, and non-infringement analyses, along with supporting patent due diligence for financings, licensing, and M&A transactions. You will collaborate closely with in-house counsel, R&D scientists, and colleagues across IP, corporate, and litigation practices, turning complex technical and legal issues into clear, actionable advice.

• 1–4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, with substantial work in chemical, pharmaceutical, or other life sciences technologies
• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Registration to practice before the USPTO
• Advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field (Ph.D. strongly preferred; M.S. with substantial relevant experience considered)
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex chemistry clearly to clients, examiners, and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines while producing high-quality work
• Preferred: experience with patentability, freedom-to-operate, clearance, non-infringement, or invalidity analyses or opinions; patent due diligence or portfolio management; familiarity with pharmaceutical life cycle management and the Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework; foreign prosecution including EPO practice