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[IsolatedSystem]

BS chemistry, chem engr, cumulative GPA 2.87 (yeah I know).

MA chemistry, GPA 3.64. (1 year ago).

Been working as a contract chemist at NIST, not working in the lab though (managing chemical databases, safety monitoring, etc.)

Accepted at GWU Law part-time and waiting to hear from GULC PT (not likely).

I'm not just going to law school to get out of what I'm doing. I have looked over some actual patents, spoken to a patent attorney, and talked with some patent examiners. I think I have an aptitude and disposition for the work. I do truly hate what I'm doing now, too, and don't relish the thought of moving into a lab either.

However, the economy is so bad. I'm worried about taking on a large financial obligation. I'm married, my wife graduates pharmacy school in May and will be starting a residency in June/July. We have around 100k in student loans from her graduate education. We have no undergrad loans. Plus, I don't even have the most in-demand degree (EE or PhD in biotech).

Any advice, warnings, encouragement?

[Aviator Lawyer]

I read your thread on TLS

Do you mean MS Chemistry as in Masters in Chemistry? Or is masters denoted by MA?

If you really want to become a patent attorney I think GW PT is a pretty sure move. Since you already have the Masters, extending your science background to a PhD at this point could just be overkill and unnecessary. Especially with the Chem E UG

In terms of the risk of going to law, I think anybody is going to tell you it's about as good as it's going to get ITE, GW is so strong in IP that GULC PT might not even be any much safer at all.

That's my Undergraduate opinion for what it's worth

[IsolatedSystem]

MA = Master of the Arts in chemistry, I didn't write a thesis.

Thanks for your opinion(s).

[Physgeek]

Being a patent attorney is a good gig if you can get it. It's good that you haven't started law school yet, because you still have time to formulate your strategy. My best advice would be to:
1. get very, very good grades (top 10%)
2. take IP classes (a patent drafting course would be good)
3. get published in the law review at your school
4. join AIPLA and attend their meetings; schmooze
5. get hired as a summer associate at a really good firm
6. Find a prestigious mentor who can help you jump-start your career (superlawyers.com).

If you can accomplish 2 or more of these it would set you up pretty well even without a PhD.

Happy to help,

Physgeek