Patent Professionals @ DWT

The DWT patent team regularly evaluates workload and hiring needs. When there is enough work to warrant hiring an additional patent attorney, we will consider the right level and skillset needed to meet our needs. We aim to be specific about the skillset we're seeking—such as expertise in electrical or mechanical engineering—and the type of work the role will involve.

We offer a variety of ways for patent attorneys to practice at DWT. We regularly hire law students, entry-level associates, and lateral associates. We also offer flexible employment opportunities for patent attorneys seeking a unique way to practice through DWTSurge. All active patent attorney opportunities are posted at careers.dwt.com.

Once our recruiting team reviews your application materials, which should include both JD and undergrad transcripts, we'll reach out if there's interest in scheduling an initial conversation. If you proceed beyond the initial conversation, you'll meet with several DWT attorneys and practice leadership. Our hiring process typically takes about 6-8 weeks from start to finish.

We accept applications for 1L and 2L patent summer associate positions through multiple channels. Active recruiting typically occurs from mid-fall through early spring each year.

We participate in several patent-focused interview programs, including the Summer Associate Hub IP Virtual Interview Program and the Loyola Patent Law Interview Program. We also engage in virtual On-Campus Interview (OCI) programs and resume collect programs at various law schools. In addition to participation in these organized recruiting programs, we post all open positions on the DWT Careers website. Law students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications submitted directly through the website are reviewed as they are received and the positions remain posted until they are filled. To see current summer opportunities, visit our Law Student Careers page.

• Draft parts of patent applications
• Prepare responses to official communications from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Perform legal research and writing on patent-related issues
• Participate in meetings with inventors and clients, and examiner interviews, when such opportunities are available
• Support patent litigation and other adversarial matters, when such opportunities are available
• Present at DWT patent section monthly meeting on caselaw and other patent law updates
• Participate in DWT patent section weekly training series
• Network with DWT patent practitioners across the firm
• Receive personal mentorship opportunities with DWT patent team members

Like patent attorneys, we often have opportunities for patent agents, which we hire through our flexible DWTSurge program. All active patent agent openings are posted here.