Junior Ph.D. Patent Attorney Life Sciences & Chemistry

Washington, DC | Full-Time | In-Person 

Hylton-Rodic Law is seeking an exceptional Ph.D.-trained junior Patent Attorney to join our growing life sciences intellectual property practice. 

For recruiters and candidates evaluating fit, the core profile is straightforward: 

• Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences or chemistry discipline; 
• J.D. and active USPTO registration; 
• Approximately 1–2 years of relevant patent experience; and 
• The scientific depth, writing ability, curiosity, and learning velocity to develop into an exceptional patent practitioner. 

At HRL, junior attorneys don't sit on the sidelines waiting years for meaningful responsibility. 

You will do real patent work early, receive rigorous feedback, and earn increasing independence as your capabilities develop. 

What You'll Do 

You will work across sophisticated intellectual property matters for innovative life sciences clients, including: 

• Drafting patent applications; 
• Preparing responses to Office Actions; 
• Supporting U.S. and foreign patent prosecution; 
• Participating in inventor interviews; 
• Conducting prior-art and patentability analysis; 
• Managing deadlines and developing ownership of your docket; 
• Communicating with clients, inventors, and foreign associates as your capabilities develop; 
• Working directly with legal assistants to move matters forward; and 
• Supporting other strategic patent matters as your experience grows. 

This is a producing attorney role, not a training sandbox. 

You will receive guidance and feedback, particularly early on. But the goal is increasing ownership—not permanent supervision. 

What We're Looking For 

A Ph.D. is required, but the degree is only the starting point. 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• Intellectually curious and genuinely enjoys difficult science; 
• Able to absorb complicated technical material quickly; 
• An exceptional scientific and legal communicator; 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; 
• Resourceful when the answer isn't obvious; 
• Comfortable receiving rigorous feedback; 
• Proactive rather than dependent on constant direction; 
• Capable of managing deadlines reliably; and 
• Driven to become exceptionally good at patent practice. 

When you encounter something you don't know, we want your instinct to be: 

“How do I figure this out?” 

What Success Looks Like 

Early success means learning our systems while contributing substantive work. 

As you develop, we expect you to take increasing ownership of drafting and prosecution matters, manage your docket reliably, communicate effectively with the team and clients, and require progressively less oversight. 

Your level of responsibility will grow with your demonstrated ability. 

This Role May Not Be for You If... 

• You need constant direction before taking the next step. 
• You struggle with organization or deadlines. 
• You are uncomfortable having your work challenged or substantially revised. 
• You view feedback as criticism rather than part of becoming excellent at the profession. 
• You want to “ease into” practicing law without meaningful responsibility. 
• Or you want the lifestyle benefits of a smaller firm without the performance expectations. 

That's not how we work. 

We are looking for someone who wants to become exceptionally good at a demanding profession. 

Why Hylton-Rodic Law 

Hylton-Rodic Law is a boutique intellectual property firm serving sophisticated life sciences clients. 

We believe excellent work and a humane professional culture are not competing ideas. 

We are deliberately building a firm that combines: 

• Sophisticated work. 
• High standards. 
• Exceptional client service. 
• Modern technology and systems. 
• Meaningful professional development. 
• And a sustainable approach to high performance. 

Because we are a growing boutique, capable attorneys don't have to disappear into a large hierarchy before they're trusted with meaningful responsibility. 

You will work closely with experienced patent professionals, interact directly with scientists and inventors, and have opportunities to increase the sophistication and independence of your work as your capabilities grow. 

Location & Work Arrangement

This is an in-person position based in our Washington, DC office. Candidates must currently reside in the DMV area or be willing to relocate. 

Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: 

$125,000–$155,000 annually, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications. The position is also eligible for performance-based bonus opportunities. 

Additional benefits include: 

• Reasonable billable expectations; 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance; 
• 401(k); 
• Life insurance; 
• Short- and long-term disability coverage; 
• Commuter benefits; 
• Paid time off; 
• Mental health days; 
• Birthday leave; 
• Annual holiday break, including a half-day on Christmas Eve and firm closure through New Year's Day; 
• “Sunshine Fridays”/early Fridays when applicable performance targets are met; and 
• A collaborative, respectful working environment. 

How to Apply 

Please submit: 

• Resume/CV; 
• Cover letter; and 
• A representative writing sample demonstrating your legal, technical, or patent-writing ability. 

Please also submit, where available: 

1. A patent application substantially drafted by you; and 
2. An Office Action response substantially drafted by you. 

Application materials will be treated confidentially. 

One Question We Hope You'll Consider 

You’ve already chosen patent law. 

What kind of patent practitioner do you want to become?