I.P. - Patent Prosecution Associate - Life Sciences

Job Description Summary:

For over 50 years, Fenwick & West has helped some of the world’s most recognized companies become, and remain, market leaders. From emerging enterprises to large public corporations, our clients are leaders in the technology and life sciences sectors and are fundamentally changing the world through rapid innovation. One reason for this success is Fenwick’s nationally recognized Patent Group, which was named the Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property (Nationwide 2023 & 2022 and Western U.S. 2024 & 2021-2022), ranked as a Tier 1 Patent Prosecution Firm in California by Chambers USA (2025), named as Highly Recommended for Patent Prosecution in California by IAM Patent 1000 (2025), and is consistently recognized as a leading patent prosecution practice by The Legal 500, including receiving the Highest Tier Nationally for Patent Prosecution (2024).

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced patent attorney for our life sciences patent practice in our Silicon Valley, Boston, New York or Washington, DC offices. The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of law firm experience, though a candidate with fewer years of experience could also be a fit. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated individual with a Ph.D. (or M.S. with research experience) in Cellular & Molecular Biology, Immunology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field to join our busy life sciences patent prosecution and counseling practice as a patent attorney. Some experience with medtech, AI, and/or medical/biotech devices is also a plus. Duties include but are not limited to: manage client relationships and client patent portfolios; conduct prior art database searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses; counseling; litigation support; conduct IP due diligence for financings and corporate deals; draft patent applications and responses to office actions; train and mentor junior patent agents and attorneys; and participate in post-grant procedures at the USPTO. Must have superb technical, written and verbal communication skills. Broad scientific knowledge in biotechnology is required. The individual must possess initiative, be a fast learner, and work well on disparate teams. Must be registered with the USPTO as a patent practitioner. This is a full-time position with in-office requirements of at least three days a week.

To apply, the candidate must complete our online application and include a cover letter, resume, full academic transcripts (undergraduate and graduate transcripts), and two writing samples (1. an application drafted by the candidate, and 2. an office action response with persuasive argument drafted by the candidate). 

Agency recruiters: please submit separately via your agency's Workday portal.

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Benefits and Compensation Details:

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing. Except as otherwise required by law, temporary employees are generally not entitled to these benefits.

The anticipated range for this position is:

$235,000 - $390,000

Depending on the role, the actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

A discretionary bonus for eligible employees may also be available based on performance.  Additional information about employee eligibility for benefits and discretionary bonus will be made available upon request.