Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Associate — Chicago

An established intellectual property department is seeking an associate with 1–4 years of life sciences patent prosecution experience to join a growing, nationally recognized patent team in Chicago. The role offers the opportunity to help sophisticated clients protect and leverage innovations at the frontier of pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-biotech.

The successful candidate will work directly with clients and inventors, take on meaningful responsibility early, and see that responsibility grow with demonstrated judgment and client relationships. Day-to-day work spans U.S. and international patent preparation and prosecution, inventor and examiner engagement, and the strategic side of patent practice — including global portfolio development, IP due diligence, patentability, and freedom-to-operate analysis.

Collaboration is central to the role: you will work closely with in-house counsel, R&D scientists, and colleagues across IP, corporate, and litigation practices, with mentorship and support to grow into a trusted advisor.

• 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 or opinions; patent due diligence or portfolio management; pharmaceutical life cycle management and Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework; foreign prosecution including EPO practice