Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[techlaw]

I just graduated from law school, and have recently passed the patent bar.  I will be taking the Feb '07 CA bar exam.  I have nine years' experience as an aerospace engineer with primary focus on mechanical design.

I have an open offer from a small Los Angeles IP firm (they do prosecution, trans, & lit) that has a pure eat-what-you-kill compensation structure.  The managing partner has known me for several years, and it looks like he'll be mentoring me closely (unlike most e-w-y-k firms from what I hear).  I reminded him that I do not have a book of clients to start off with, and asked if they have enough of a surplus of work to throw at me for at least the first year or two.  He answered that they do.

I haven't talked numbers with him yet.  Before I discuss details with him, I want to educate myself a bit more on how things are typically done under these circumstances. I'm willing to work between 60 and 80 hours/week in those first couple of years.  Also, I suspect that initially it might take 2-3 of my work hours to generate one good billable hour for the firm.  

Specifically my question is, what is roughly my earning potential for the first year or two, taking into account the above factors?

Thanks.

[Lynna]

Hi.   Compensation level varies depending on type of firm, location and opportunity.   Entry Level varies dramatically but in my experience most people land somewhere between $120k and $150k.   Put some thought into what you are looking for shorterm and long term.   You might find that lower compensation today, with better growth & training opportunity will make your earning potential dramatically better 5 years from now.  

I'm an executive recruiter and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further.  Might even have a client interested in speaking with you.  I can be reached at 708.352.0523.  Regards.   Lynna Smith

[Steven]

Before I begin, I thought a little background might be important. Currently, I am an electrical engineering student at Oregon State University; it will be graduating in the next few weeks. I am also working as a design engineer. I am considering furthering my education once I receive my BSEE. I am trying to decide weigh the benefits and disadvantages of either receiving a masters in electrical engineering or pursuing law school to become a patent lawyer.

I have a little over a years worth of experience now working as an engineer, so I feel as if I have a fair understanding of that career path. What I am not aware of, however, is the day to day activities to expect as a patent lawyer. I am assuming that you have a significant amount of knowledge in the major of career paths as a patent lawyer (examiner, attorney, managing attorney, assistant general, and private practice).

If there is a possibility, would you be able to describe your experience in each of the fields? What is the typical type of work that you have done, what are the benefits and disadvantages, and any other information you may believe is relevant.

[Jonathan]

Hi.   Compensation level varies depending on type of firm, location and opportunity.   Entry Level varies dramatically but in my experience most people land somewhere between $120k and $150k.   Put some thought into what you are looking for shorterm and long term.   You might find that lower compensation today, with better growth & training opportunity will make your earning potential dramatically better 5 years from now.  

I'm an executive recruiter and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further.  Might even have a client interested in speaking with you.  I can be reached at 708.352.0523.  Regards.   Lynna Smith

It appears that the OP does not have a law degree. 120k-150k for a non-lawyer in this situation is about -50% off-base.

[Isaac]

"I just graduated from law school, and have recently passed the patent bar.  I will be taking the Feb '07 CA bar exam"

It appears to me that the OP has a law degree, while Steven (not the OP) does not.

[Jonathan]

Missed it. Thanks!

[duh]

Gee Steven way to kill a good thread

[daven]

techlaw, this might help..

This is for the state of CA:
http://www.infirmation.com/shared/insider/payscale.tcl?state=CA


Here's the list for firms in LA:
http://www.infirmation.com/shared/search/payscale-compare.tcl?city=Los%20Angeles&usps_abbrev=CA

BTW, did you go back to school full time?  thanks

[techlaw]

Thanks for the info.   That gives me a good start.  

Actually, for law school I did the evening program while working full-time.