Description:

Job Description:
The Position:
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Junior to Midlevel Associate or Sr. Counsel to join the Life Sciences subgroup of the Intellectual Property practice group. This position can work out of any of our offices. The Attorney must have 5+ years of patent prosecution experience at a firm or in-house, and the ability to draft patent applications is a must. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related life-science field. Admission to the USPTO is preferred. The candidate must excel in a team environment and be a highly-motivated self-starter with excellent legal judgment, business strategy, the ability to communicate clearly with clients, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The Company:
This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm's founding in 1848, we've continuously evolved to meet our clients' changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

Michael Best offers a nationally recognized life sciences patent practice that blends deep technical expertise with strategic IP counsel. The team includes 20+ practitioners—most with advanced degrees in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, and related fields—as well as former industry scientists and in-house patent counsel. We work with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as prestigious research institutions worldwide.

The Location:
We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver); California (Los Angeles), Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington), Nebraska (Lincoln), and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position is available in any of our offices.

Job Requirements:
Bring Your Best
Knowledge Base & Education:

At least 5 years of law firm or in-house patent prosecution experience
Advanced Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a related life-science field
Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Excellent academic credentials
Adaptability:
Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:
Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm

Communication:

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:
Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other:
Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Why You Should Apply
At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees' overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth