About the role
Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Senior Associate / Of Counsel | Pharmaceuticals | 7+ Years | Chicago, IL | $240,000–$360,000 Base + Benefits & Bonuses | AMLaw 100 Ranked Firm
Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 100 national full-service law firm with a strengthened life-sciences intellectual property platform seeking a Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Senior Associate / Of Counsel with 7+ years of experience to join its Chicago, IL office.
This opportunity offers strategic patent prosecution, opinions, counselling and transaction diligence for life-sciences and pharmaceutical companies within a nationally recognised intellectual property practice. The successful attorney will work closely with experienced patent lawyers with advanced scientific credentials, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to global portfolio development across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemistry and materials science.
Company Highlights
- Fast-growing Am Law 100 national platform with expanding IP depth
- Recently strengthened pharmaceutical and life-sciences patent team
- Advanced technical capability across biotechnology, chemistry and materials
- Work for major companies on strategic global patent portfolios
- Integrated prosecution, opinions, counselling, diligence and enforcement support
- Cross-practice collaboration with corporate and life-sciences teams
- Entrepreneurial culture supporting client and practice development
- Direct partner access and senior-level responsibility
- Comprehensive benefits and long-term advancement opportunities
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Join a growing life-sciences patent practice offering:
- Strategic patent drafting and prosecution
- Global portfolio development for innovative life-sciences clients
- Ownership of opinions, counselling and diligence matters
- Direct client and inventor interaction
- Cross-practice exposure to transactions and disputes
- A platform for leadership and business development
- Senior progression with associate or counsel flexibility
The Role
The successful attorney will support and lead life-sciences patent matters, including:
- Draft and prosecute United States patent applications
- Coordinate foreign portfolio strategy and prosecution
- Prepare patentability, validity and freedom-to-operate opinions
- Counsel clients on portfolio positioning and risk
- Conduct patent due diligence for business transactions
- Interview inventors and assess technical disclosures
- Work with corporate and litigation teams
- Manage complex portfolios and client reporting
- Support practice growth and junior-team development
The role offers direct collaboration with partners, senior attorneys and clients, together with increasing responsibility and opportunities to take ownership of important workstreams.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The firm is seeking a Senior Associate or Of Counsel with:
- At least seven years of patent prosecution experience
- Life-sciences, pharmaceutical, chemical or materials experience
- An advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline
- Current registration before the USPTO
- Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
- Superior academic credentials and an accredited J.D.
- Admission in Illinois
- Prior law-firm or relevant industry experience
A Ph.D. or other advanced degree and experience with biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, organic chemistry or materials science are strongly preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated base salary range is $240,000–$360,000, depending on experience, qualifications, location and other relevant factors.
The firm also offers bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement support, paid time off, family-care benefits, professional development, wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.
Kindly apply with your resume. Should your experience align with the opportunity, we will reach out by telephone, email or LinkedIn to schedule a discreet call. All discussions will be handled in strict confidence.
Relevant search terms: Life Sciences Patent Attorney, Patent Prosecution Counsel, Biotechnology Patent Associate, Pharmaceutical Patent Lawyer, Chicago Patent Jobs, USPTO Attorney, Patent Opinions, IP Due Diligence
#LawJobs #AttorneyJobs #PatentProsecution #LifeSciencesLaw #Biotechnology #ChicagoLawJobs #USPTO #AmLawCareers #LegalRecruiting
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
Questions, answered
Click "Apply with JobAssist" – we tailor your resume and application to this role and submit it for your approval.
Yes. This role at Watts & Associates Recruitment was screened before publishing – we confirmed the employer before listing it.
The employer didn't disclose a salary range for this listing. JobAssist shows pay whenever it's available.
This position can be done from anywhere, with no in-office requirement.
Yes – every application is tailored from your profile and this job's requirements, and you can review and edit before it's sent.