Job Description
Job DescriptionPatent Agent / Technical Advisor (CS/EE)
Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Agent / Technical Advisor to join a leading international law firm’s Patent Counseling & Prosecution practice. This opportunity is open in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, Reston, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated patent professional with a strong technical background in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline to work alongside a sophisticated intellectual property team handling cutting-edge technologies.
Position Overview
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of deep technical fluency, patent prosecution experience, and strong communication skills, with the ability to translate highly complex technologies into clear, practical guidance for attorneys, in-house counsel, and business stakeholders.
This role will support a busy practice focused on patent counseling, prosecution, portfolio strategy, and litigation support, particularly in advanced software and hardware technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct prior art and patent database searches for patentability, validity, and freedom-to-operate analyses
- Analyze patents, technical publications, source materials, and scientific literature to support patent prosecution, counseling, and litigation matters
- Draft U.S. patent applications, including detailed technical specifications and claims
- Prepare and prosecute responses to USPTO office actions
- Assist attorneys with technology analyses for depositions, expert preparation, and litigation strategy
- Advise legal teams on complex software, hardware, AI, and machine learning issues
- Support strategic counseling on patent portfolio development and innovation protection
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- Strong industry or hands-on technical experience in software, hardware, or systems technologies
- Broad scientific and engineering knowledge, including a strong understanding of hardware/software interaction
- Experience or strong interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning strongly preferred
- Excellent technical writing, verbal communication, and analytical skills
- Ability to explain complex technologies in clear, business-friendly language
- Self-starter with strong initiative, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
- Must be eligible to sit for the USPTO registration exam and otherwise meet the requirements for registration as a patent agent
Compensation & Benefits
The expected annual compensation range for this position is $125,000 – $228,000, with final offers based on experience, technical skillset, and geographic market.
The firm offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Life insurance, AD&D, LTD, and short-term medical benefits
- Four weeks of vacation and two weeks of sick time annually
- 10 paid holidays
- Generous parental leave and fertility benefits
- Backup care and dependent support resources
- Law school tuition assistance for qualified patent agent candidates
This is a strong opportunity for a technically sophisticated patent professional seeking a long-term platform with top-tier resources, mentorship, and career development potential within a premier law firm environment.