Seattle - Intellectual Property Alternative Track Associate; Technology

Morgan Lewis is seeking an alternative track associate in our Seattle office with at least 3-4 years of patent‑prosecution experience in a law firm environment.

In this position, you will help protect innovations at the forefront of technology‑touching upon electrical, mechanical, and software innovations for consumer products of Fortune 100 companies to disruptive/ emerging products developed by startups. You will work closely with sophisticated inventors, in‑house counsel, and technical teams, thereby gaining direct exposure to client representatives and seeing firsthand how your work shapes business strategy and product roadmaps.

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications for cutting‑edge technologies, with a strong emphasis on software‑implemented inventions and computer‑related innovations.
• Collaborate directly with engineers, scientists, and product leaders to understand new technologies and translate them into strong, strategic patent portfolios.
• Communicate with in‑house counsel and other client representatives, providing thoughtful guidance on patentability, portfolio strategy, and risk.
• Participate in invention‑harvesting sessions and portfolio reviews for both large, established companies and emerging growth clients.
• Assist with supervision of more junior team members.
• Possible exposure to patent trial and appeal board (PTAB) and ex parte reexamination projects.

• You have preferably at least 3-4 years of patent‑prosecution experience in a law firm environment.
• You hold a bachelor's degree (or graduate degree), preferably in computer or information science, computer engineering, software engineering, electrical engineering, or another engineering or physics discipline, and you have demonstrated experience with‑and aptitude for‑developing a sophisticated understanding of software‑based technologies and innovation.

• Preferred candidates will already possess a USPTO registration number.
• If you do not yet have a registration number, you will be required to prepare for, take, and pass the patent bar exam prior to joining the firm or within the first twelve months from your hire date.

For positions in the State of Washington, the salary wage range for this job posting is as follows:

• Alternative Track Associate: $150,000 - $185,000

The base salary wage range for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Final salary wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. Additionally, salary wages may be only part of the total compensation package.

The total compensation package for this position will also include eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus. Subject to the terms and conditions of the firm's policy, applicants who receive an offer immediately following the completion of a judicial clerkship will be eligible for a clerkship bonus. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and policies then in effect, eligible employees may enroll in: a 401(k) plan, as well as participate in Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, business travel accident insurance plans, and health savings and flexible spending accounts for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and policies then in effect, eligible employees may utilize the Employee Assistance Program, Work/Life Services, Health Advocate, Bright Horizons Back‑Up Child Care, and Wage Works Commuter Benefits for the employee and the employee's eligible dependents. Employees will also receive: 9 paid holidays per calendar year, 2 personal days per year, up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year, and up to 20 days of vacation per year.

Eligible employees may also take up to five days off for bereavement leave, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave per year and up to 10 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave per pregnancy. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at‑will position" and the firm reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, firm or individual department/team performance, and market factors.