Junior Patent Attorney (Life Sciences / Chemistry)

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  

This is a producing role, not a training sandbox. 

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  

The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here 

• 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  

About Hylton-Rodic Law 

We’re a boutique IP firm focused on life sciences—chemicals, pharma, and beyond. 

We are: 

• Growth-oriented (BD-driven, expanding client base)  
• Non-corporate in culture  
• Serious about both quality of work and quality of life  

We offer: 

• Reasonable billable expectations (~1700 range)  
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and commuter benefits
• Mental health days + birthday leave  
• “Sunshine Fridays” (early Fridays when targets are met)  
• A collaborative, respectful team environment  

Apply If You’re Serious About Growing 

If you want to do meaningful legal work early, grow quickly, and be part of a firm that’s building something—apply. 

If you’re looking to coast, avoid accountability, or be told what to do every day—this isn’t the role.

Application Requirements:

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this role and in working at a smaller, non-corporate law firm.