Other IP markets besides Boston, SF bay area, and San Diego? Forum

[erythromycin]

I accidentally posted this in the wrong forum last night, so I thought I would repost to a more appropriate forum.


I am getting close to finishing up a PhD in organic chemistry, and my dissertation research is in bioorganic/biological chemistry (I have a decent background in biochemistry and molecular biology, and I have done some organic synthesis). If I were to go into patent law, the area that would be most naturally suited to my background would be biotech/pharma patent prosecution. I intend to start studying for the patent bar soon, and I think I would like to work as an agent before considering the financial investment of law school

Right now I am just the gathering information about this career path. Honestly, my husband and I are sorting out some two body problems in that we are both PhD scientists, and I have decided that academia is not for me for a variety of reasons. Right now I'm just exploring other options.

That being said, what areas of the country aside from Boston, the Bay area, San Diego, and DC have a market for biotech/pharma/life sciences-type IP lawyers? It looks like the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill/Research triangle area has some stuff going on with all the startups and such in the area. How are the markets in Chicago, New York, and Atlanta? I noticed that some IP firms (such as Finnigan) have branches in New York and Atlanta--is there a reasonable market there? What about the Denver/Boulder area, Texas (Austin, Houston, Dallas), Seattle, and LA/Orange County? Any insight on these smaller markets would be appreciated. I'm just curious how geographically portable this career path could potentially be.

[theMasterofBiotech]

NYC definitely has a market for pharma patent prosecution and litigation. Chicago too

[bk1]

Reminder: the legal employment forum is not for 0Ls. I have moved your other thread to the "Ask a Law Student/Graduate" forum which is the most appropriate for your question.