Patent Prosecution Associate (1–4 Years) – Engineering - Palo Alto
Direct CounselPalo Alto, California, United States
Posted April 1, 2026
225000 - 310000 USD
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
Patent Prosecution Associate position at a well-regarded Am Law firm, seeking a candidate with 1-4 years of patent prosecution experience and a technical background in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, materials science, AI/ML, or related fields.
Requirements
- 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience at a law firm
- USPTO registration (Patent Bar) required
- Technical background in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, materials science, AI/ML, or related fields
- Demonstrated interest or experience in life sciences strongly preferred
- Advanced degree and/or prior patent agent experience is a plus
- Strong academic credentials and excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
- Comprehensive, top-tier benefits including healthcare, family-building support, and wellness programs
- Robust professional development, CLE support, and career growth opportunities
- Cravath-scale compensation: $225,000 – $310,000 + discretionary bonus