So far in the cycle I have been accepted to USC and UW. I have CS degree and so I intend to practice patent law. I know that the consensus around here is to attend the highest ranked school that is financially reasonable for you, however, I figured and I've read that the job market is slightly different for patent law since a hard-science degree is required to sit for the Patent Bar.
I was wondering if anyone had advice or any insight about the job market for patent attorneys, and if there was anything special I should consider besides the aforementioned consensus.
I am still waiting to hear back from most of the T-14 and UCLA. Also, neither school has given me any scholly info yet.
USC vs UW For Patent Law Forum
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cavalier1138
- Posts: 8007
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Re: USC vs UW For Patent Law
Patent law is only a bit different in that some schools which would not otherwise be worth it might become viable options. I'm not sure exactly which schools fall in that category, but you should wait until you have a better idea of where you're accepted and what financial offers look like. The same basic philosophy of going to the best school you can for the least money still holds true, regardless of what field you're entering.
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UVA2B
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Re: USC vs UW For Patent Law
The only thing that really changes when considering patent law with a hard science background is changing the calculus on regionals where you want to practice, provided they have a market for patent prosecution (some reward lit for patent bar passage, but not all). So, for instance, if you want to practice in the PNW following graduation, UW becomes a much safer outlook on employment than your average political science background. You should still minimize cost and maximize employment prospects, but you can expect that an IP type can be somewhat lower in the class and still get a desirable outcome.
Loyola patent fair also helps as it's a little patent cocoon where hard science types get their very own job fair that all the major IP firms participate looking for people like you. Most will still care somewhat about school, but the playing field is leveled a bit as most of the firms realize you're a finite quantity, so they tend to weigh your previous experience more heavily than the firm typically would for students at your school.
Still pick the school that maximizes employment and minimizes cost though.
Loyola patent fair also helps as it's a little patent cocoon where hard science types get their very own job fair that all the major IP firms participate looking for people like you. Most will still care somewhat about school, but the playing field is leveled a bit as most of the firms realize you're a finite quantity, so they tend to weigh your previous experience more heavily than the firm typically would for students at your school.
Still pick the school that maximizes employment and minimizes cost though.
