Senior Intellectual Property - Patent Prosecution Associate / Counsel / Junior Partner – Organic Chemistry & Life Sciences

Direct Counsel is seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Attorney to join a growing Intellectual Property practice. This opportunity is ideal for a senior associate, counsel, or junior partner with a strong scientific background and significant experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the chemical and life sciences sectors.

Locations

This position is open to the firm's offices in:

• Boston, MA
• Chicago, IL
• Philadelphia, PA
• Washington, D.C.

The ideal candidate will have 5 years of patent prosecution experience focused on synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and related technologies.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
• Develop and execute patent portfolio strategies for clients in the life sciences and chemical industries
• Advise clients on patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and intellectual property strategy
• Respond to USPTO office actions and manage patent prosecution matters through issuance
• Collaborate with inventors, scientists, in-house counsel, and business stakeholders
• Conduct patent analyses and support strategic intellectual property counseling
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development initiatives as appropriate

Qualifications

• 5 years of patent prosecution experience
• Significant experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in:
  • Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Related Life Sciences Technologies
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline required
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Admission to practice before the USPTO required
• Active bar admission in the applicable jurisdiction required

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and level of practice
• 4x4 Hybrid Model (in-office Wednesdays plus four additional in-office days per month)
• Sophisticated life sciences and chemical patent practice
• Significant client interaction and business development opportunities
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial team environment
• Strong mentorship and long-term career advancement opportunities

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.