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[Ebrody]

Hi everyone!

I am looking for an entry level traineeship/internship in the patent prosecution field. I am a registered patent agent with a B.S in Molecular Biology and An M.S in Chemistry. I worked in the research and development of food and cosmetics companies before passing the patent bar. I would like to go to law school in the fall of 2012 and in the meantime I would like to gain some experience. I also speak a few languages. I have experience with patent literature research relating to the use of supercritical fluid extraction and cyclodextrins in odor masking as well as other topics.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

[OMG IP]

resume and cover letters to places you would like to work?

[Ebrody]

I am sending out my resume and cover letter to quite a few law firms but I have not gotten any offers yet.

[OMG IP]

In your area or across the US?

Entry-level IP opportunities, unless you know the right people, are extremely rare.  Consider the USPTO.

[Ebrody]

I don't think they are hiring at the moment.

[trustme]

"My advice to you is to start drinking heavily." - Bluto Blutarsky

You could also try for jobs like "IP manager" or "patent liaison." I would not go to law school if I were you unless I had a very good idea that you were going to enjoy this.
I hope you still have a job.

You could also try working for a search firm like Landon IP. It's better than nothing. Avoid Cardinal - it's a viper's nest that treats people like day labourers.

Sending resumes and cover letters is almost completely useless, and should occupy only a small proportion of the time you spend looking for a job. Better to join the "patent agents" section of your local bar or IP association and be prepared to start sucking some ass. Yes, the PTO is in a deep funk and who knows when they'll start hiring again. I started my job hunt 3+ years ago and it took me 2 years to land a decent job, so be ready for a potentially long struggle.

[OMG IP]

I don't think they are hiring at the moment.

It's the government - they're always hiring.  They just might be more selective, and certainly not recruiting or providing hiring bonuses.

Networking is very important in this practice area.  Start going to any and all IP functions in your area and beyond.

That said, I do agree with the previous post about drinking.  Cheers.

[Ebrody]

Thank you all for your input. I can start implementing all of this advice this afternoon! Do you know of any groups that I could join in the NY area?

[plex]

Except the government has a hiring freeze through this year in many agencies, so they are hiring until they are not...

It will be near impossible to find an internship, most places were not offering that sort of position for someone not in law school even 4-5 years ago when hiring was strong, much less now.  Weigh law school very carefully, even patent law isn't looking like a good change for most people anymore.  Other types of law are of course looking even worse.