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Unemployed MVP Class 2011 grad. Need Advice
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 10:49 pm
by MITGradStudent
Struck out during 2009 OCI as a 2L and 3L OCI was a joke! I have engineering background and will take / pass patent bar in January. I have passed the NY bar.
Now I am just trying to figure out what to do with my life. I am thinking about working at USPTO as a patent examiner, however, I don't know if I would be able to transition into a law firm from that.
Any advice?
Re: Unemployed MVP Class 2011 grad. Need Advice
Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 10:57 pm
by cantaboot
sorry, brother. I remember you..
nothing to offer you, except: be persistent. you are in a far better position than many out there with no technical background.
I think you are just really, really unlucky - I know a couple of girls who only have a BS in biology/engineering and they have found jobs at F & R and other patent boutique firms. A guy with a nanotech phd has not been able to find anything though. AA for women, I heard.
Re: Unemployed MVP Class 2011 grad. Need Advice
Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:10 pm
by Black-Blue
MITGradStudent wrote:Now I am just trying to figure out what to do with my life. I am thinking about working at USPTO as a patent examiner, however, I don't know if I would be able to transition into a law firm from that.
Nothing wrong with logging a year or two at the USPTO if you want to do patent prosecution. Only if you stay too long would your opportunity for a law firm job expire.
Re: Unemployed MVP Class 2011 grad. Need Advice
Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:31 am
by sky7
Black-Blue wrote:MITGradStudent wrote:Now I am just trying to figure out what to do with my life. I am thinking about working at USPTO as a patent examiner, however, I don't know if I would be able to transition into a law firm from that.
Nothing wrong with logging a year or two at the USPTO if you want to do patent prosecution. Only if you stay too long would your opportunity for a law firm job expire.
TITCR.
First of all, I'd be surprised if you pass the patent bar and you can't get a gig, especially if you are willing to go anywhere. There are patent boutiques (especially in DC) that would probably be interested in you, and they pay pretty well. You might even be able to start before you pass the bar.
Secondly, being an examiner for 1-2 years would also work pretty well. I'd apply as soon as they start hiring again. Just don't stay for too long - firms I've chatted with seem to have a bit of a bias against people that are there for extended periods of time.