Patent Agent / Technical Specialist

Patent Agent / Technical Specialist
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Direct counsel is seeking a Patent Agent / Technical Specialist with 3+ years of patent prosecution experience to join a well-established national law firm. This role involves supporting the firm’s legal team on a wide variety of technical innovations, working with clients from start-ups to major corporations, and contributing to intellectual property strategy and patent portfolio management. Hybrid work options are available for qualified candidates.

• Draft comprehensive and accurate patent applications to protect client inventions.

• Manage patent prosecution processes, including responding to office actions and obtaining patent allowances.

• Conduct prior art searches, assess patentability, and advise clients on patent strategy.

• Review invention disclosures and support freedom-to-operate analyses and IP due diligence.

• Develop strategies to address challenges in patent law, including subject matter eligibility issues.

• Collaborate with clients to align IP strategies with business objectives.

• Participate in team training and maintain high-quality work while meeting deadlines.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a life sciences discipline (molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, immunology, or related field).

• Active registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in good standing.

• Expertise in CRISPR, antibody therapeutics, cell and gene therapy, recombinant DNA, or bioinformatics is highly desirable.

• Strong writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

This position offers meaningful professional growth within a national law firm platform, providing exposure to sophisticated patent prosecution and IP strategy matters.