I have a science degree. I'm not entirely sure if i want to do patent prosecution or corporate work.
Is it ok for me to say that I'm 100% set on IP to IP firms but also tell non-IP firms that I'm 100% set on corporate? That way, I can make a decision after I get an offer?
Also, I'm leaning slightly more towards corporate. However, whenever I tell people (professors, career services, firms) that I want to do corporate, I'm met with the same reaction that shows they aren't convinced (being asked multiple times "wait, are you sure you don't want to do patent law?" even after talking about how I want to do corporate work the entire time). How do I prevent this?
Unsure about practice area- what do I tell employers? Forum
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Anonymous User
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DildaMan
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Re: Unsure about practice area- what do I tell employers?
Yes.Anonymous User wrote: I have a science degree. I'm not entirely sure if i want to do patent prosecution or corporate work.
Is it ok for me to say that I'm 100% set on IP to IP firms but also tell non-IP firms that I'm 100% set on corporate? That way, I can make a decision after I get an offer?
You can't really prevent this. I would take classes and do extracurricular activities that align with your interests in corporate. I had a friend who was moved to IP litigation after the real estate work dried up at his firm.Anonymous User wrote: Also, I'm leaning slightly more towards corporate. However, whenever I tell people (professors, career services, firms) that I want to do corporate, I'm met with the same reaction that shows they aren't convinced (being asked multiple times "wait, are you sure you don't want to do patent law?" even after talking about how I want to do corporate work the entire time). How do I prevent this?
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joblawl
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Re: Unsure about practice area- what do I tell employers?
^^^ this is exactly right. Very few people know exactly what kind of work they want to do in law school. When you're in an interview, it's foolish to sound lukewarm about a practice area. If you're interviewing at an IP firm, craft an argument that shows you're dedicated to IP and always have been. If you're interviewing for a corp gig, craft an argument that shows you're dedicated to corporate work and always have been. I work in a large firm with one focus - when we interview, "demonstrates commitment to the practice area" is a big deal...
Further, practicing lawyers will be surprised that you're not into IP because the job market is better and seemingly less competitive. But if it's not what you want to do everyday, it doesn't much matter how the job market is....
Good Luck!
Further, practicing lawyers will be surprised that you're not into IP because the job market is better and seemingly less competitive. But if it's not what you want to do everyday, it doesn't much matter how the job market is....
Good Luck!
