Patent Attorney - Biotech / Biochemistry

Pay: $180,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join a sophisticated intellectual property practice serving innovative clients ranging from start-ups to multinational companies
• Work on high-level patent preparation, prosecution, freedom-to-operate, and patentability matters in cutting-edge biotech and biochemistry spaces
• Build directly alongside experienced partners in a collegial environment with a real path toward long-term growth
• Enjoy a lower annual billable requirement of 1,500 hours while still earning highly competitive compensation
• Step into a role with genuine partnership-track potential for the right early-career associate
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates looking to make a move

Location: This role is based on-site in McLean, Virginia for the first 6 months to support collaboration and mentoring, with the opportunity to work hybrid 2 days per week from home afterward.

Note: Must have a PhD or Master's degree with strong biotech, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related technical experience, plus patent law experience and USPTO admission.

About Us 

We are a well-established intellectual property law firm with a sophisticated and diverse client base that includes multinational corporations, emerging companies, universities, and innovators. Our team is known for delivering high-quality legal work, practical client service, and strong technical depth across complex technologies. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications in biotech, biochemistry, and related life sciences areas
• Assist with freedom-to-operate, patentability, and literature searches and analyses
• Help prepare opinions and strategic counseling for clients on intellectual property matters
• Work closely with partners and senior attorneys on domestic and international patent portfolio strategy
• Support matters involving post-grant proceedings and patent office-related disputes
• Communicate directly with clients, inventors, and internal team members on complex technical and legal issues
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-level practice serving sophisticated clients across a wide range of technologies

Qualifications

• JD and active admission to at least one state bar
• Admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• PhD preferred, or Master's degree with strong relevant technical experience
• Background in biotechnology, biochemistry, cell or molecular biology, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, or a closely related field
• 2+ years of patent drafting and prosecution experience in a law firm or in-house setting
• Experience with freedom-to-operate searches, patentability analysis, and related opinion work preferred
• Strong writing skills and ability to work on technically complex matters
• Interest in long-term growth and developing toward a partnership-track role

Why You Will Love Working Here

• High-end intellectual property work without the extreme billable pressure of many larger firms
• Direct access to experienced attorneys and meaningful mentorship
• Strong office culture with collaboration that supports development
• Real opportunity to grow into a long-term leadership role
• Competitive compensation, bonus upside, and relocation support
• A practice serving sophisticated clients across exciting and innovative technologies

JPC-961

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Requirements: Must haves: Bar license (any state), USPTO = United States Patent and Trademark Office admission, 2+ years of patent prosecution/drafting exp, PhD or Master’s in biotech, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field?

• Nice to haves:

• Additional context: Relocation- [Yes]. Packages - [Yes]

• Salary Bands:

  • 2 years directly relevant experience: $180,000-$190,000

  • 3 years directly relevant experience: $190,000-$200,000

  • 4+ years directly relevant experience: $200,000-$210,000

  • Bonus upside may bring total comp closer to larger-firm levels with higher billables, but base structure is tied to a 1,500-hour requirement

Submission Email: Name / Jeffrey - [email protected]

Quick Recruiter Reference

Boutique IP law firm seeking an early-career Patent Attorney with biotech/biochemistry depth. Role focuses on patent drafting/prosecution, FTO, and opinion support for sophisticated clients. Ideal target is a 2–4 year associate with USPTO admission and strong technical credentials who wants a path to partner.

Recruiters Submission: To submit, cancel - Patent Attorney - Biotech / Biochemistry - Medler Ferro Woodhouse & Mills PLLC - JPC 961 - Source

*New Job Order Alert*

• Client job title: Patent Attorney - Biotech / Biochemistry

• Location: McLean, VA

• On-site, hybrid, remote: On-site

• Experience: 1

• Good fit job titles/keywords for candidates: Patent Attorney, Patent Associate, IP Associate, Intellectual Property Attorney, Biotech Patent Attorney, Life Sciences Patent Attorney, Patent Prosecution Attorney, Biochemistry Patent Attorney, Biotechnology Patent Attorney, USPTO Attorney

• # of hires needed: 1

• Open or not to recruiters on TE: Yes

• Job posting strategy (bottom of package details): Near DC but hyper niche, PHD/Masters in medical stuff + atty. FAIL FAST role