Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney - San Francisco

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Mid-Level Associate to join its Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Patent Prosecution Practice Group. This position offers flexibility across firm locations, with strong preference for candidates based in Atlanta, Denver, Houston, St. Louis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

Position Overview

This is a premier opportunity for a technically driven patent prosecution attorney with a background in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields. The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of experience handling sophisticated patent matters across emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning.

Key Responsibilities

Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in cutting-edge areas

Interface directly with clients to identify and protect core IP assets

Assist in the strategic development of global patent portfolios

Review technical disclosures, conduct prior art searches, and assess patentability

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on matters involving innovation and compliance

Qualifications

Required :

JD from an accredited law school

Active admission to a state bar and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Undergraduate or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics

Minimum of 3 years’ patent preparation and prosecution experience in a law firm or in-house legal team

Preferred Experience Includes :

Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and neural networks

Radio frequency (RF) circuitry

Communications and / or hardware security, including encryption / decryption technologies

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range : $240,000 – $365,000 annually, based on experience

Discretionary performance-based bonus

Comprehensive benefits package, including :

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Voluntary benefit offerings

Application Requirements

Cover letter

Resume

Writing sample

Law school transcript