I.P. - Patent Prosecution Associate

Job Description Summary:

Fenwick & West has been a leader in technology and life sciences law since 1972. One reason for its success is its Patents & Emerging Technologies Group, consistently ranked a top patent group in the U.S. The group has deep expertise across technology and life sciences, representing innovative companies at every stage of growth.
Fenwick’s patent professionals all hold strong technical credentials—many with Master’s or Ph.D. degrees and significant prior industry. Our patent agents and technical advisors have outstanding technical backgrounds and a strong interest in building long-term careers in patent law.
Fenwick is deeply committed to training and mentoring the next generation of patent professionals. Associates can expect to recieve meaningful responsibility, hands-on learning, and sustained professional development. Patent practitioners receive extensive exposure to high-quality prosecution work, direct mentorship from experienced attorneys, and regular feedback aimed at accelerating technical and legal growth.

Job Description:

Fenwick is seeking Patent Prosecution Associates with two to four years of experience as a patent associate. Candidates should have an electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, data science, or physics background or equivalent experience. A USPTO registration number, superior academic credentials, excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills are a must. This role is well-suited for individuals who are eager to deepen their training, gain exposure to sophisticated work, and advance their careers in a collaborative, mentorship-focused environment.

This position may be located in our Silicon Valley (preferred), Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., or Seattle offices. Admission to the Bar in the jurisdiction where the work is being performed is required.  Candidates should be a member of (or eligible to be a member of) the bar of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

To apply, please complete our online application and include a cover letter, resume, full academic transcripts (law school, 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 - $310,000

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.