Patent Prosecution Specialist (2–5+ Years)

Hylton-Rodic Law•Washington, DC

1d•$35 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Hylton-Rodic Law, a boutique intellectual property law firm specializing in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, university, and life sciences, is seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Specialist. This role is crucial for supporting sophisticated U.S. and international patent prosecution matters for clients developing innovative medicines, therapies, and scientific breakthroughs. The specialist will act as a key operational partner to patent attorneys, ensuring patent matters are handled accurately, efficiently, and on time. The ideal candidate will be comfortable taking ownership, managing deadlines, and proactively advancing complex legal matters. This is not an entry-level position; the successful candidate will be expected to quickly manage an active patent prosecution portfolio with minimal ramp-up and contribute as a trusted member of the legal team. The firm emphasizes meaningful legal work, greater ownership, and a balance between professional excellence and personal well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; degrees in legal studies, biology, chemistry, engineering, or another scientific discipline are preferred.
2–5+ years of hands-on U.S. patent prosecution experience within an intellectual property law firm.
Experience preparing and coordinating USPTO filings, IDSs, formal documents, docket management, patent maintenance support, and patent prosecution workflows.
Experience communicating professionally with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO.
Demonstrated ability to manage numerous deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent written communication, organization, and time management skills.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal practice management software.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting international patent prosecution.
Experience with AppColl or comparable IP docketing software.
Experience working in a boutique intellectual property law firm.
Experience with IDS filings, Information Disclosure Statements, assignments, patent maintenance matters, and related prosecution workflows.

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and coordinate U.S. and foreign patent prosecution filings.
Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), formal documents, assignments, declarations, powers of attorney, and other patent prosecution documentation.
Support attorneys with patent prosecution, patent maintenance matters, client reporting letters (CRLs), USPTO correspondence, and related prosecution workflows.
Coordinate correspondence with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO to ensure matters progress accurately and on time.
Review prosecution matters proactively, identify potential issues, and help keep complex patent portfolios moving efficiently.
Work collaboratively with the firm's Docketing Assistant to ensure seamless matter management and timely filings.
Maintain accurate electronic matter files and prosecution records in the firm's practice management systems.
Contribute to legal operations initiatives, workflow improvements, system implementation projects, SOP development, and other efforts that strengthen the firm's long-term operations and client service.