The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm's founding in 1848, we've continuously evolved to meet our clients' changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc and Waukesha, WI; Chicago, IL; Raleigh, NC; Washington, D.C.; Broomfield and Denver, CO; Salt Lake City and Cottonwood Heights, UT; and Austin, TX. Our contemporary office designs are ideal for concentration and collaboration and support a culture where we work together to make good things happen for our clients.

The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Junior to Senior Level Patent Associate or Senior Counsel. This is an exceptional opportunity to join our growing Electrical and Computer Science IP team with a national and international client base. This position can be based out of any of our offices. The Patent Associate must have a minimum of 2 years of IP prosecution experience at a firm or in-house.

Ability to draft patent applications and admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are required. Substantial physics, optics/photonics and/or solid state image sensing experience is a plus. Graduate-level experience or advance technical degree is also a plus, as is involvement with patent analysis/opinions of counsel and IPRs. Our ideal candidate will hold a degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics.

• Knowledge Base & Education:
  • J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
  • Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics
  • Excellent academic credentials
  • At least two years of in-house or law firm patent prosecution experience
• Adaptability:
  • Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
  • Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
  • Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

• Collaboration:

  • Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm

• Communication:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

• Problem Solving Skills:

  • Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
  • Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

• Professionalism

  • Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

• Other

  • Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

• Why You Should Apply

  At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees' overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

  Learning and Growth Challenging and Dynamic Role Career Development Planning Professional Growth Opportunities Performance Management and Coaching Specialized Training Programs Mentorship Program Bar Exam/Bar Review Course Reimbursement	Health & Wellness Medical Dental Vision Care Health Savings Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts Wellness Program Employee and Family Assistance Program
  Total Compensation Competitive Base Pay Outstanding Benefits Unlimited PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays Performance Recognition ABA, State and Local Bar Membership Fee Reimbursement	Planning for the Future 401(k) with Company Match Short Term Disability Plan Long Term Disability Plan Life Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Parental/Family Leave
  Culture and Workplace Respected Organization with Collaborative Culture Growing Firm with an Exciting Future Healthy Work-Life Balance Flexible Remote Work Policy (Ability to work remote up to 2.5 days per week) Contemporary Work Environment Positive and Respectful Work Climate

  To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal. Please contact our Senior Recruiter, Alex Tillmann () with any questions.

  We are not accepting search firm submissions at this time.

  Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

  If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

  For Colorado applicants only (as required by the Colorado Equal Pay Act): The starting salary for associate positions in our Denver office is $150,000. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, depth of experience in the practice area. Associates are eligible to participate in Michael Best's associate bonus program, subject to the program's conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including: medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.