DWTSurge Patent Agent; Remote

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is searching for a full-time, fully-remote, patent prosecution patent agent, with a background in the software arts, to work through the Firm’s alternative-track attorney and staffing program, DWTSurge. We are particularly interested in registered patent agents who have experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications either as part of an in-house team or at medium or large law firms.

The selected patent agent will handle patent procurement and prosecution work for the Firm’s clients in a variety of industries both domestic and international.

This fully remote role is open to candidates residing in the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, MD, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA*, TN, TX, VA, WA, WDC, or WV. Patent agents must be registered with the USPTO.

• 2+ years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, either in-house or as outside counsel, specifically in the software arts (e.g., machine learning, cloud computing/networking, cryptography, information security, or distributed ledger technology).
• A minimum of a B.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related field.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Residency in one of the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, MD, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA*, TN, TX, VA, WA, WDC, or WV. (
  * jurisdiction‑specific)
• Strong time management and organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to take ownership for, and efficiently manage, a large docket including meeting internal and external deadlines by working independently and with supervisors.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to being responsive to client needs.
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Legal, industry, and/or academic experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and/or computer science, particularly with wireless communications, robotics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cryptography, information security, and/or blockchain is preferred.
• Familiarity with operations of large organizations with established patent programs is a plus.

Please note that this position is managed by DWT’s flexible attorney and staffing program, DWTSurge, and offers a contract for a specified term that may be renewed on an annual basis for successful candidates. The initial term offered will run through the end of the calendar year and will offer full time employment with an annual 1,600 billable hour requirement. We are interested in candidates who are electing to pursue a more flexible way of practicing while also focusing on providing continuous, high‑value legal services to clients.

Those who excel in the role will potentially be engaged for additional terms.

The annualized salary range for this full‑time contract patent agent position for the following locations is:

• District of Columbia - $159,000 to 185,000
• Los Angeles, California - $142,000 to $161,000
• San Francisco, California - $166,000 to $187,000
• New York - $165,000 to $185,000
• Washington - $142,000 to $161,000
• Maryland - $159,000 to $185,000
• Minnesota - $134,000 to $157,000

Actual pay will be adjusted based on the candidate’s education, training, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law.

Employees may be eligible for an incentive bonus and health insurance with an optional HSA, long‑term disability, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k), vacation, sick time, and an employee assistance program. DWTSurge Patent Agents generally take approximately three weeks of vacation from work each year, and it may vary depending on the needs of the clients and the firm.

• First Stop Health Telemedicine:
  Speak with a licensed physician or mental health counselor 24/7, covered by the firm
• TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program:
  Receive support with mental, financial, physical, and emotional wellbeing
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Milk Stork:
  Virtual lactation consulting, breast milk…