An established national law firm is seeking an associate with 1–4 years of life sciences patent prosecution experience to join its Intellectual Property Department in Minneapolis. You will work alongside a respected and growing life sciences patent team, helping clients protect and commercialize innovations at the frontier of pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-biotech technologies.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in organic chemistry and has hands-on experience in U.S. and foreign prosecution, along with an interest in the strategic side of patent practice—global portfolio development, IP due diligence, patentability, and freedom-to-operate work. You will work directly with clients and inventors, assume meaningful responsibility early, and see that responsibility grow with your judgment and client relationships.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team that offers direct client engagement, mentorship, and a clear path to increasing ownership of matters and client-facing workstreams.

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
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while producing high-quality work
Preferred: experience with patentability, freedom-to-operate, clearance, non-infringement, or invalidity analyses; patent due diligence or portfolio management; familiarity with Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework; foreign prosecution including EPO practice

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