Junior Patent Attorney (Life Sciences / Chemistry)

Hylton-Rodic Law • Washington, DC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Junior Patent Attorney with a focus on Life Sciences / Chemistry. The position is at Hylton-Rodic Law, a boutique IP firm. Unlike traditional firms, this role emphasizes active ownership of patent work, allowing the attorney to do real work early in their career. The firm values both precision and people, offering a collaborative and respectful team environment. The attorney will be responsible for drafting and prosecuting patent applications, responding to office actions, managing their own docket with guidance, communicating with clients, and working with legal assistants. This is a producing role, not a training program, and success will be measured by billable performance, quality of work product, turnaround speed, docket ownership, and communication skills. The firm is growth-oriented and non-corporate in culture, focusing on quality of work and quality of life.

Requirements

• Life sciences or chemistry background (MS/PhD required)
• JD and Patent Bar required
• 0–2 years of relevant experience (firm experience preferred)
• Basic familiarity with patent drafting/prosecution

Nice To Haves

• Firm experience preferred

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Commuter benefits
• Mental health days
• Birthday leave
• Sunshine Fridays (early Fridays when targets are met)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level