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The Position Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our Intellectual Property Practice Group. This position can be based out of our Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Denver, or Salt Lake City office. A minimum of 2 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience at a firm or in-house is required. Our ideal candidate will hold a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Robotics. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in the AI field, such as experience with machine learning, generative models, and data and image analytics. Experience with blockchain and distributed ledgers, video codecs, and cloud platforms and computing is a plus.

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 Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); and North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position is located in our Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Denver, or Salt Lake City office.

Job Requirements Knowledge Base & Education:

• 2+ years of prosecution experience at a firm or in-house is required, as well as experience with portfolio management
• Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Robotics
• Involvement with patent analysis/opinions of counsel and IPRs is a plus
• Experience with blockchain and distributed ledgers, video codec, and cloud platform and computing is a plus
• Admission to the USPTO is a plus

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to manage time and deadlines for a variety of ongoing projects
• 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
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible when faced with unexpected challenges

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 Contribution
• 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
• 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. Recruitment agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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 patent agent positions in our Denver office is $90,000. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, depth of experience in the practice area. Patent agents are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s ESA 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.