Long term career prospects in Patent Law: Lit v Prosecution Forum

[09042014]

What are the big law / boutique exit options?

Which is more likely to lead to partnership?

Which is more desired in lateraling?

[Emu Flu]

I've always considered patent prosecution as having better exit options. You can work in any size firm (10 lawyers to 1000 lawyers) and earn a good salary, it's easier to start your own firm, and there are more in-house opportunities in the field.

[yellowjacket2012]

.

[laborday]

yikes

???

[Big Shrimpin]

Curious about this, too

[thwalls]

Patent Lit = More $$$$$$$

Patent Pros = A little less $$$ but you will be able to have a great quality of life since it's the closest to a 9-5 job as there is in the law.


As someone who actually does it (patent pros), I think I know what I'm talking about. Also, if your work product is good then you can still be on the path to partnership, depending on the firm. At boutique firms, it's a heck of a lot easier to make partner. My firm, for example, usually requires 8 years and that's for doing prosecution the whole time. Moreover, they already told me that my time as a patent agent/evening law student counts towards partnership. I'm not sure if every small firm is that way, but it's definitely a huge plus over big law.

Also doing patent prosecution in this financial climate allows you to build a book of business much faster since more clients want to prosecute patents and don't have the cash to litigate.

This is just my opinion, so don't hate.