Description:
Description:If you want to actually practice law—not just survive it—keep reading.
You've put in the work: advanced science degree, law school, maybe a year or two at a firm. But instead of growing, you're buried in bureaucracy, rigid hierarchy, or unclear expectations.
This role is different.
At Hylton-Rodic Law, you won't sit on the sidelines.
You'll do real work, early, in a firm that values both precision and people.
What This Role Actually Does
You will take active ownership of patent work—not just assist.
- Draft and prosecute patent applications (primarily life sciences / chemistry)
- Respond to office actions and support USPTO interactions
- Manage your own docket (with guidance early, independence quickly)
- Communicate with clients on execution-level matters
- Work directly with legal assistants to move matters forward
What You'll Be Measured On
- Billable performance + realization rate and budget targets
- Quality of work product (low revision, zero missed deadlines)
- Turnaround speed (we work ahead, not reactively)
- Docket ownership (organization is non-negotiable)
- Communication (internally and with clients)
What Success Looks Like:
By 30 days:
You're contributing real work and learning our systems
By 60 days:
You're handling matters with moderate oversight and hitting billables
By 90 days:
You're managing your own docket and operating with growing independence
This Role Is NOT For You If:
- You need constant direction or hand-holding
- You struggle with organization or deadlines
- You want to “ease into” practicing law
- You're here for lifestyle but not performance
- You resist feedback or think you already know everything
Requirements:
Required Background
- Life sciences or chemistry background (MS/PhD required)
- JD and Patent Bar equired
- 0–2 years of relevant experience (firm experience preferred)
- Basic familiarity with patent drafting/prosecution
- Humble, coachable, and eager to improve
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Proactive—you don't wait, you move
- Flexible in a growing, evolving environment
- Genuinely enjoys the science and the work
