Electrical Engineering/Software Patent Associate - Junior to Midlevel - All Offices

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP currently has an exciting full-time employment opportunity as a software Patent Associate/Patent Agent in our Intellectual Property Practice Group. This is a non-remote position with flexibility as to office locations including Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Anchorage and Washington DC. The Patent Associate will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, large and small, from a variety of industries across the country and internationally. The DWT Intellectual Property Practice Group supports a robust, high quality IP practice that offers a Patent Associate/Patent Agent an opportunity to develop and enhance legal and business skills.

This position will support the Intellectual Property Practice Group working on the strategic development of patent portfolios, including patent procurement and prosecution, client counseling, and patent portfolio management. This position will also support patent analysis and patent litigation. Applicants should have focused experience in the following areas:

Legal Skills

• 1-4 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, either in-house or as outside counsel, specifically in the software arts (e.g., machine learning, cloud computing/networking, cryptography, information security, or distributed ledger technology)
• A BS degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering, or a BA degree in computer science is preferred, although candidates with other degrees will be considered
• Legal, industry, and/or academic experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and/or computer science, particularly with wireless communications, robotics, artificial intelligence
• Active bar admission in Alaska, California, New York, Oregon, Washington, or Washington, D.C. for Patent Attorneys.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO

People Skills

• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and staff by understanding their work styles and preferences, and collaborating effectively
• Respond to colleagues and clients promptly, meeting deadlines and communicating proactively about timelines
• Seek mentorship and feedback from senior attorneys and actively participate in training opportunities to grow your skills

Firm Citizenship

• Strong work ethic and commitment to being responsive to client needs
• Be physically present in the office 3 days per week to maximize opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and learning

Business Skills

• Strong time management and organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to take ownership for, and efficiently manage, a large docket including meeting internal and external deadlines
• Familiarity with operations of large organizations with established patent programs, including international organizations