Scientific Advisor - Patent Agent

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with approximately 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, London, and Brussels.

Job Summary 

Crowell & Moring LLP, a global Am Law 100 law firm, seeks a highly qualified Scientific Advisor – Patent Agent to join its Intellectual Property practice group, working from its Washington, D.C. office. 

Patent Agents are integral members of the firm’s IP Practice who work on various aspects of the patent application process, work directly with attorneys in the firm, and are expected to communicate effectively and efficiently with attorneys, clients, and patent examiners.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares and files official correspondence with the USPTO, including initial application filings, responses to Office Actions, and Information Disclosure Statements.
• Drafts patent applications with clarity and technical accuracy, according to the substantive and budget parameters set for each project.
• Communicates with attorneys, office staff, clients, and patent examiners to aid in the prosecution of an application.
• Assists with technical issues in IP due diligence and litigation.
• Maintains a docket of statutory USPTO and client due dates and satisfies all due dates in accordance with client instructions and firm docketing procedures.
• Handles a majority prosecution docket while providing technical analysis and assistance in patent litigation and Patent Trial and Appeal Board proceedings.

Education

• A technical degree in basic or applied sciences or engineering is required.
• Bachelor’s in Engineering and a Master’s degree in a scientific field such as Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Sciences, or Physics is required, and a Ph.D. is preferred. 

Experience

• The position requires 5-10 years of patent prosecution experience, including writing samples.
• Law firm experience is preferred. 
• Must have valid USPTO Registration Number.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must possess detailed knowledge of USPTO filing requirements.
• Independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing.  Must possess a thorough command of the English language, including excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external contacts.  Requires patience, creativity, and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and client and attorney needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a cooperative manner to accomplish position requirements.
• Desire to assist in litigation and post-grant proceedings.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, and all-purpose leave and progressive options such as back up childcare, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

Our Firm is committed to fair and equitable compensation practice in accordance to applicable laws. The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $190,000. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus. Other benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, and all-purpose leave. The salary for this position may vary based on market data, an applicant’s skills and prior experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other factors.

SEARCH FIRMS: submissions from search firms will NOT be accepted by email. To submit your candidate, apply through our applicant portal by clicking on the appropriate job posting title and then the "I'm interested" icon. Please fill out the application as if you were the candidate and include your email address in the profile. We will update on the backend. We do not have a separate portal for search firms.

Candidate introductions and/or materials submitted for this position via email will not be recognized by Crowell & Moring as a formal candidate submission. An active and countersigned fee agreement is required to ensure proper communication and handling of all non-partner attorney candidates.

Qualified candidates only. EOE m/f/d/v