Intellectual Property Associate Attorney –Patent Prosecution - Chicago
Direct CounselChicago, Illinois, United States
Posted October 22, 2025
225000 - 275000 USD year
Full Time
About the Company
Direct Counsel is a full-service legal staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in both temporary and permanent placements across the United States. Leveraging deep local market knowledge, the company excels at sourcing, retaining, and deploying top-tier attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, and administrative professionals on short-term, long-term, and direct-hire engagements. Its comprehensive suite of services—including specialized searches, talent building, and legal assistance—ensures clients receive highly qualified legal talent tailored to their specific needs. Direct Counsel’s distinctive advantage lies in its proven ability to quickly match clients with the right professionals, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and legal team performance.
Job Description
Join an Am Law 100 law firm's Intellectual Property Procurement & Portfolio Management Group in Chicago. Work with a respected national team representing innovative companies and research institutions in developing, managing, and protecting complex patent portfolios.
Requirements
- Manage and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
- Advise clients on strategic patent portfolio development, risk assessment, and IP strategy.
- Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses.
- Draft and respond to USPTO office actions and coordinate with foreign counsel.
- Collaborate with clients and senior attorneys to align IP strategy with business objectives.
- Participate in due diligence and transactional IP support as needed.
Benefits
- Base salary range: $225,000 – $275,000 per year.
- Collaborative and growth-oriented environment with active mentorship, direct client exposure, and opportunities to assume increasing levels of responsibility.