Re: law school directly or patent agent

Subject: Re: Re: law school directly or patent agent

Comments:
: : I am trying to decide between attending law school directly and working at a law firm as a patent agent for a year. I have a Ph.D. in Biotechnology, and the firm has said that they would cover the costs of the patent course/exam. My hesitation in accepting the job results from three factors. The first is that I have heard that law firms are really hierarchal and that without the JD I would not be treated that well. My second concern specifically involves the firm in question, and it may sound kind of silly to those of you who are more experienced in law firm dealings. The firm has many, many partners and the younger partners happen to be attractive females, while older male attorneys remain as associates. Should I be suspicious of this fact, or is becoming a partner more a question of investment versus promotion? Thirdly, having obtained a Ph.D. and worked for a while, I am now in my early thirties and I don't want to put off going to school too much longer. Are any of my concerns valid, and would either choice be better for my long-term career as an IP lawyer? : : Thanks : Dear Alexandria Leduc, : Life does not show the whole deck so what you see may or may not be as you perceive it. : You didn't mention working and going to law school at night. : The best you have is that biotechnology is a fast moving leading edge today. : Were I in your shoes and could afford it I would go to law school full time and might part time at a patent firm. : Passing the partent bar is good but being a lawyer seems better to me. The choice is yours. : You still have to produce to become a partner and you can't become a partner until you are a lawyer. : M. Arthur Auslander : Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909 : 505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 : 212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander.com : ELAINE's Workshop (sm) : E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive

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