chemical engineering patent law Forum

[birdson102]

For various logistical reasons I had to change my major in undergrad. I'm now majoring in Biology and minoring in Mathematics (and history), and I hope to get a masters in chemical engineering (MS) from CUNY engineering school. Assuming I get into a good law school (GPA 3.85 and LSAT 170) and get good grades would I be a competitive candidate for patent prosecution?

[ForgotMyPassword]

My background isn't chemical engineering and I decided not to go the pros route, but from my friends who went for life sciences patent pros a masters is a significant step up from a bachelors in bio. It isn't the slam dunk that CS/EE bachelors or Life Sciences PhD's are, but assuming that 3.85/170 your chances would be solid anywhere near median at whatever law school you got into. Just remember to go to all the IP job fairs (Principally the Patent Law Interview Program in Chicago, but there are other regional fairs) in addition to OCI.

[birdson102]

thanks.
as an aside do you know avg. salaries for prosecutors in big law vs. smaller law firms or in house?

[ForgotMyPassword]

There's an incredibly wide range depending on market, size of firm, and whether the firm is a recognized boutique in the area you're practicing.

The general rule is that biglaw firms (Loosely defined as everything in the V100 / a fairly significant chunk of the NLJ 250) in a primary market pay 160K starting regardless of specialty. Secondary markets vary, with the top firms + NYC firms with satellite offices generally paying 160K, and everyone else paying somewhere from 110-145K depending on your specific market. IP boutiques, especially ones that do patent pros, tend to fall into this second group even in fairly expensive markets. PM me if you have a market in mind and I'll help if I can. Then of course there are tertiary markets as well as non-boutique small to mid-size firms that happen to do patent pros on the side, where compensation is generally lower.

However, while gathering as much information as you can about law school and employment stats is admirable, you should have a laser focus on getting that high LSAT score and ensuring the highest GPA possible going into the cycle.

[totesTheGoat]

Many of the $160k+ firms won't look at life sciences candidates without a PhD or significant (3+ years) relevant work experience.

Focus on getting the technical expertise you need to qualify for the best jobs, and then worry about your law school credentials.

as an aside do you know avg. salaries for prosecutors in big law vs. smaller law firms or in house?

This is all based on anecdotal evidence:

Big Law = $160k starting
Mid-sized boutique in a primary/major secondary market = $150k+
Mid-sized GP = $125k+
In-house = $95-150k
Smaller = upper 5 figures