Is 32 too old for an aspiring patent lawyer Forum

[CJ1986]

I am an electrical engineer with an MS who has been working for 3.5 years. If were to go back to law school, I would graduate at age 32, as it is too late this cycle. Would this be too late for a large firm? Assume in the mean time I went to a T14. Also, I plan on going for patent law.

I'd really appreciate answers.

[Hutz_and_Goodman]

No I PMed you.

[ditch digger]

No, 32 is not too old to begin a career in the legal profession. You are an engineer, and thus, too smart and successful to go to law school. For your own sake, don't go.

[84651846190]

not at all

[antiworldly]

Not by a long shot. I'm a chemist and will be starting law school this fall, meaning I'll be 30 when I graduate. Of all the chemists who ended up patent attorneys that I talked to, I'll be the youngest to start my career, the average is usually 34-35.

[checkers]

No it's not too old, and you'll actually be highly sought-after with that degree and some serious work experience.

[gk101]

I am an electrical engineer with an MS who has been working for 3.5 years. If were to go back to law school, I would graduate at age 32, as it is too late this cycle. Would this be too late for a large firm? Assume in the mean time I went to a T14. Also, I plan on going for patent law.

I'd really appreciate answers.

You have an EE background. You could graduate at 50 and still get a patent prosecution position at the big firms. 32 is not old at all for any practice area

[kcdc1]

I'm in school now, and will turn 32 just after taking the bar. I interviewed exclusively for patent jobs, and my age was not a problem at all. Every single interviewer considered my experience a plus.

FWIW, I'd suggest looking at Northwestern's AJD program which gets you a T14 JD in 2 years. As a somewhat older law student with substantial work experience, it's been the perfect program for me. Get back in work force sooner, more mature peers, etc.

Link to a description of the program: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=237512

[mindthegap]

I've worked in IP law firms since graduating from university (roughly 2 years) and 30 seems to be on the younger side of the incoming patent lawyers that I've met, as most of them have also completed their PhD. FWIW, my previous supervisor started law school at 30 after working as a researcher and although he hadn't made partner by the time I worked for him, he enjoyed a very consistent salary at a mid-sized firm. However, it sounds like you're interested in big law so I'll expand on my supervisor's scenario by adding that 1) he'd gone to an extremely regional (although cost-effective) school because he was married with children and didn't want to move them and 2) with his background, he acknowledges that he could've aimed to work at a larger firm in the area if that had been his goal.

In other words, you're fine. Good luck!

[rondemarino]

Not too old at all.

And by patent law you mean? Patent prosecution? IP litigation?

[CJ1986]

I think I lean towards litigation. Also, I was wondering if there was a boost in starting salary based on experience, although it doesn't sound like it from my personal research. I am simply trying to do a cost/benefit analysis.

[Patent2014]

To echo everyone else, it's not too old at all. Many of the top IP firms very rarely hire a new grad who is under 30 since they prefer PhDs (life sciences) or several years work experience for areas like engineering/computer science.

[haus]

Does the community you live in happen to be named Logan's Run?

If so, you are likely done for.