🚀 Associate Patent Attorney (1-2 years – Life Sciences / Chemical)

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Associate Patent Attorney (1-2 years – Life Sciences / Chemical)
Washington DC

Description

Tired of the BigLaw grind?

Looking for meaningful IP work, mentorship, and the chance to grow with a firm that values wellness, balance, and long-term success?

If you’re a sharp, motivated patent attorney ready to trade the corporate rat race for a role where your work (and life) both matter, Hylton-Rodic Law wants to hear from you.

About Us

Hylton-Rodic Law PLLC is a boutique intellectual property firm based in Washington, DC, focused on patent protection, portfolio development, and global IP strategy across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries .

We’re a small but growing practice with high-caliber clients and a collaborative, supportive culture. We believe world-class IP work doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well-being. Our attorneys enjoy manageable hours, mentorship, autonomy, and a genuine opportunity to shape the future of the firm.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone early in their career who wants to contribute meaningfully, grow quickly, and be part of something that’s evolving—not just bill hours at someone else’s machine.

Our ideal candidate has a master’s or Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related life sciences field and brings a solid foundation of hands‑on patent prosecution experience . You’ve likely spent the past year or two in a fast‑paced firm or corporate IP group, honing your technical and legal skills.

You’re ready to step into an environment where you can apply that experience more strategically, and you’re looking for real mentorship, a better quality of life, and the opportunity to grow into leadership—and maybe even partnership—without sacrificing the high‑level IP work that brought you into this field in the first place.

Requirements

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences sectors.
• Conduct prior art searches, draft patentability and freedom‑to‑operate opinions, and support IP due diligence projects.
• Collaborate directly with clients ranging from startups to established innovators.
• Manage patent portfolios strategically, not mechanically.
• Work closely with the firm’s partners for hands‑on mentorship and real‑world skill development.
• As you grow, take on opportunities to mentor others, oversee client relationships, and contribute to firm leadership.

What We’re Looking For

• 1‑2+ years of experience in patent prosecution or IP counseling, ideally within the chemical or life sciences fields.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Admission to the USPTO and JD from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset — we value collegiality and curiosity.
• Interest in a balanced professional environment with room to grow and lead.

Core Values

• Creative Solutions: We approach every challenge with fresh thinking and scientific rigor.
• Strategic Insight: We help clients see around corners, not just respond to what’s in front of them.
• Collaboration: We work together to achieve better outcomes—for our clients and our team.
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing.
• Balance: We believe in excellence at work and fulfillment beyond it.

Why Hylton‑Rodic Law

• Balance & Well‑Being: Reasonable hours, flexible schedules, mental health days, and real downtime.
• Real Growth: Work directly with partners and clients, not through layers of hierarchy. We’re building something—and you’ll help shape it.
• Equity Potential: A clear path toward equity partnership for committed attorneys as the firm expands.
• High‑Caliber Work: Sophisticated patent matters across life sciences, chemical, and biotech fields.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Learn from experienced practitioners, then become one yourself.
• Base Salary : Starting at $140,000, with higher compensation available for experienced candidates
• Performance‑Based Bonuses: Earn more for quality, contribution, and firm growth—not just hours.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance subsidy
• 401(k) with matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and mental health days
• 6.5‑day paid holiday break (Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Sunshine Fridays to wrap up the week

Application Process

Submit the following materials:

• Resume
• Salary requirements
• Official or unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, and law school), attached in PDF format to either the resume or cover letter submission

If selected for a screener interview, candidates will be asked to provide two writing samples : one drafted patent application and one office action response.

Please share:

• Why you chose patent law and what drives you in the life sciences or chemical space.
• Why Hylton‑Rodic Law—what about our culture and approach resonates with you?
• A recent IP challenge or case that pushed your skills—and what you learned.
• What kind of work environment allows you to do your best work.
• What you enjoy outside of the office—because balance matters here.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

No recruiters. No phone calls. Just good humans who love great IP work.

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