Re: career paths for PhD

Subject: Re: Re: career paths for PhD

Comments:
: : Hello- : : I have a PhD in genetics/molecular biology from a top 5 institution, now doing full-time research. I want to get involved in patent law, but I have no idea how to proceed. Is it possible to work as a "technical specialist" at a law firm, with no law training, and proceed from there? Or, do I have to pass the patent bar before doing anything? thanks : Yes, you MIGHT be able to get a job as a tech specialist at a law firm. But you will need the following: : 1) A PhD covering a technology that the particular firm needs at the time. A law firm will not hire you just because you are smart - if your PhD is in an area that is a hotbed of activity in the biotech/pharmaceutical industries, great. If it involves science that is cutting edge (or worse) but has no immediate marketable value, bad. : 2) A desire to live in DC, NY, possibly Boston or Chicago. Or somewhat lesser likelihood would be Detroit, Minneapolis, or California. I am pretty sure most of these jobs will be in DC. : 3) A backup plan. Law firms are going to take their sweet time before they decide to bring a scientist on board and pay them a lot of money with no demonstrable legal skills. Always look for another job just in case 7 months pass, all of your leads turn cold, and you have to start looking for a job all over again. : There is a list of law firms that will hire PhD's and pay law school tuition. Most of them are not hiring right now. The list can be found at www.findlaw.com. I will leave it as a homework assignment to you to find the list - if you can't find it you wouldn't be worth your weight in spit in patent prosecution anyway. : Good Luck

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