Junior Patent Attorney (Life Sciences / Chemistry) in Washington, District of Columbia at Hylton-Rodic Law PLLC

If you want to actually practice law—not just survive it—keep reading.

You’ve put in the work: advanced science degree, law school, maybe a year or two at a firm. But instead of growing, you’re buried in bureaucracy, rigid hierarchy, or unclear expectations.

This role is different.

At Hylton-Rodic Law, you won’t sit on the sidelines.
You’ll do real work, early, in a firm that values both precision and people.

What This Role Actually Does

You will take active ownership of patent work—not just assist.

• Draft and prosecute patent applications (primarily life sciences / chemistry)
• Respond to office actions and support USPTO interactions
• Manage your own docket (with guidance early, independence quickly)
• Communicate with clients on execution-level matters
• Work directly with legal assistants to move matters forward

This is a producing role, not a training sandbox.

What You’ll Be Measured On

• Billable performance + realization rate and budget targets
• Quality of work product (low revision, zero missed deadlines)
• Turnaround speed (we work ahead, not reactively)
• Docket ownership (organization is non-negotiable)
• Communication (internally and with clients)

What Success Looks Like

By 30 days:
You’re contributing real work and learning our systems

By 60 days:
You’re handling matters with moderate oversight and hitting billables

By 90 days:
You’re managing your own docket and operating with growing independence

This Role Is NOT For You If:

• You need constant direction or hand-holding
• You struggle with organization or deadlines
• You want to “ease into” practicing law
• You’re here for lifestyle but not performance
• You resist feedback or think you already know everything

Required Background

• Life sciences or chemistry background (MS/PhD required)
• JD and Patent Bar equired
• 0–2 years of relevant experience (firm experience preferred)
• Basic familiarity with patent drafting/prosecution

The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here

• Humble, coachable, and eager to improve
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Proactive—you don’t wait, you move
• Flexible in a growing, evolving environment
• Genuinely enjoys the science and the work

About Hylton-Rodic Law

We’re a boutique IP firm focused on life sciences—chemicals, pharma, and beyond.

We are:

• Growth-oriented (BD-driven, expanding client base)
• Non-corporate in culture
• Serious about both quality of work and quality of life

We offer:

• Reasonable billable expectations (~1700 range)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and commuter benefits
• Mental health days + birthday leave
• “Sunshine Fridays” (early Fridays when targets are met)
• A collaborative, respectful team environment

Apply If You’re Serious About Growing

If you want to do meaningful legal work early, grow quickly, and be part of a firm that’s building something—apply.

If you’re looking to coast, avoid accountability, or be told what to do every day—this isn’t the role.

Application Requirements:

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this role and in working at a smaller, non-corporate law firm.