Patent law with low UG gpa Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a 1L now and considering patent law. I have an undergraduate degree from a foreign college in EE, but I am concerned my GPA was too low for me to get into IP(my gpa is 3.03, and the curve is 3.1~3.2ish). However I worked at Samsung electronics as a hardware circuit designer for about 2 years, and now I'm at a T25. I'm wondering if my undergrad experience can help me out, either for an SA position or a position in the long run.

I'm worrying that firms would ding me when they see my GPA was low for undergrad, or to miss out on any benefit of having a science background.

Any response would be helpful. Thank you!

[Anonymous User]

I think you have a decent shot. I had a similar ug GPA with a less desirable engineering background at a similarly ranked LS and still made out OK at PLIP this summer.

Anecdotally, it seems like at OCI this year, firms are now starting to put a big emphasis on post-ug work experience, so that is in your favor.

Make sure you keep up your LS grades tho. Firms aren’t going to ask about your UG curve, but you will want to be at least median this year, ideally higher. I was just above median and like I said t worked out, but I feel I was at a disadvantage going in to interviews with highly ranked firms.

[Anonymous User]

I think you have a decent shot. I had a similar ug GPA with a less desirable engineering background at a similarly ranked LS and still made out OK at PLIP this summer.

Anecdotally, it seems like at OCI this year, firms are now starting to put a big emphasis on post-ug work experience, so that is in your favor.

Make sure you keep up your LS grades tho. Firms aren’t going to ask about your UG curve, but you will want to be at least median this year, ideally higher. I was just above median and like I said t worked out, but I feel I was at a disadvantage going in to interviews with highly ranked firms.

Thanks! Did you have any problems with your ug gpa? I'm trying to get a good grade at my LS though.

[trmckenz]

I am an EE with a lower UGPA as well. I worked as a patent agent before law school. I am at UT now, and just went through PLIP/OCI.

Don't worry about your undergrad GPA. Only a few die-hard prosecution firms will be turned off by it. The major cutoff is 3.0, and you're above that. Don't bring it up in interviews unless explicitly asked about it. I was asked about mine only one time (out of maybe 30 interviews). EEs are very desirable, especially for prosecution work.

Your work experience is good, but I doubt it will move the needle much. You will still start from ground zero in patent law. Consider it a nice-to-have, especially with respect to demonstrating maturity. I am sure you will be asked about it in interviews, so be prepared to explain how what you did there has prepared you well for becoming a patent attorney.

Your law school and law school GPA will matter waaaaaay more than you think, particularly for patent litigation jobs. EE background will play a larger role for prosecution folk. My best guess is that for you: law school > law school grades > undergrad degree > undergrad school > work experience > undergrad GPA.

To maximize career prospects, I would recommend focusing on firms that have prosecution practices in addition to litigation practices. I think starting out at a place with a broad IP practice would be good, that way you can see what you like/dislike during your 1L summer, and then get more targeted for 2L summer. Also, don't apply only to the tippy top firms... cast a wide net.

Lastly, let your personality shine through in interviews. Many engineering types aren't particularly charismatic, so a little enthusiasm goes a long way. You'll be just fine. Good luck.

[Anonymous User]

Originl quoted Anon.

It didn’t come up once in 20ish interviews. If you’re in a T25 and you have a decent LS gpa, that should show you’re a smart person.

I’m interested in lit rather than pros though which could matter.

Also to clarify, I think work experience matters to big firms as a proxy for maturity, not for your technical engineering prowess.

[Anonymous User]

6th year patent prosecution associate here - you'll be fine. Your industry experience will go a long way.

I would look into data privacy/cybersecurity though