Senior Counsel – Patent Prosecution (Intellectual Property)

A leading U.S. law firm is looking for an experienced Senior Counsel to join its expanding Intellectual Property practice. With demand for patent prosecution services continuing to grow, this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced patent attorney looking to build a long-term career within a collaborative, high-performing team.

Unlike many IP opportunities, this role is focused almost exclusively on patent prosecution rather than litigation, making it ideal for attorneys who enjoy drafting, prosecuting and strategically managing patent portfolios while benefiting from exceptional flexibility and work-life balance.

The Role

You will advise a diverse client base on all aspects of patent prosecution, helping innovators protect cutting-edge technologies across a range of industries.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting high-quality U.S. patent applications
• Prosecuting patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Preparing responses to Office Actions
• Developing patent filing and prosecution strategies
• Advising clients on portfolio development and intellectual property protection
• Working directly with inventors, engineers and in-house legal teams
• Managing sophisticated patent portfolios from initial invention through to patent grant

This role is designed for attorneys who genuinely enjoy the technical aspects of patent prosecution and are looking to focus on high-quality drafting and portfolio management without the demands of a traditional litigation practice.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have:

• 9+ years’ experience in patent prosecution (strong eighth-year associates will also be considered)
• Significant experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications
• The ability to independently manage sophisticated patent portfolios from instruction through to grant
• Registration to practice before the USPTO
• Excellent written communication, analytical and project management skills
• A collaborative approach and strong commitment to client service

A strong technical background is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with degrees in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Aerospace Engineering or Chemical Engineering, although applicants with backgrounds in Physics, Computer Science or other hard science disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

Why Join This Firm?

Join a nationally recognised Intellectual Property practice experiencing significant growth and an increasing volume of sophisticated patent prosecution work. You’ll work alongside a highly regarded, collaborative team with the opportunity to focus exclusively on patent prosecution while enjoying exceptional flexibility and long-term career stability.

Benefits include:

• Salary: $250k–$290k, depending on experience
• Fully remote, hybrid or office-based working anywhere in the U.S.
• Flexible and reduced-hours working arrangements, making this an excellent opportunity for attorneys seeking greater work-life balance
• A rapidly growing practice with a strong pipeline of sophisticated patent prosecution work
• Comprehensive healthcare, retirement and wellbeing benefits
• Generous paid time off
• Ongoing professional development, mentoring and continuing legal education support
• Clear long-term career progression within a nationally recognised Intellectual Property practice