Recruiting

Hickman Becker Bingham Ledesma LLP actively recruits qualified patent attorneys and law students throughout the year.

Please study all our requirements before submitting an application.

First Year and Lateral Attorney Recruiting

As a first-year attorney or lateral attorney at our firm, you will experience a collegial and supportive environment in which your technical knowledge is challenged and your legal skills improve. Some of the activities in which you may be involved are:

  • analysis and preparation of replies to examining actions of the USPTO or overseas agencies
  • invention disclosure meetings with our clients at their research & development facilities
  • preparation of new patent applications
  • preparation and prosecution of trademark applications
  • study of patents and prosecution history files in support of opinions of non-infringement or invalidity
  • technology licensing agreements and related transactions
  • support of litigation handled by other firms
  • re-examination requests
  • reissue applications
  • petitions
  • appeals

We are committed to mentoring and associate development with activities including:

  • case review meetings to present reviews and criticism of recent case developments, with practice tips based on the outcomes of the cases
  • large group training meetings
  • one-on-one review of work product
  • an extensive library of reference materials, samples and templates
  • individual attorney budgets for attending seminars, conferences, extra association memberships, and bar meetings

We offer an open-door environment in which you can seek assistance from anyone in the office and benefit from the experience of others. Our firm typically hires first-year lawyers from those who participate in our summer associate program. We will consider submissions from qualified 3Ls or law school graduates seeking lateral associate positions at any time.

A complete submission is sent by email and includes:

  1. cover letter indicating why we should hire you
  2. resume
  3. writing sample(s), preferably relevant to patents
  4. uncertified copies of undergraduate and law school transcripts.

Use PDF format only for attached files.

For information on regular associate positions or summer associate positions, send e-mail to careerinquiries@hickmanbecker.com.

Summer Associates

Summer associate positions are available for qualified law students with demonstrated interest in IP law. A bachelor's degree in a technical field that qualifies you to sit for the USPTO registration examination is required. Enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school is required. All summer associate positions are for a 10-week summer term in San Jose, California.

To apply:

  • preferably register for and participate in the Loyola (Chicago) Patent Law Interview Program

Or, email us:

  1. your resume
  2. unofficial copies of undergraduate and law school transcripts
  3. patent- or IP-related writing sample
  4. a cover letter explaining why you are interested in our firm and what sets you apart or what you can contribute to the firm

Please do not send privileged or confidential information in writing samples. Use PDF format only for attached files.

No phone calls, please. Send e-mail to careerinquiries@hickmanbecker.com.

Staff Positions

Patent Administrative Assistant or Patent Foreign Filing Specialist – San Jose

For consideration for future positions that may become available, you may send your resume in confidence to us by email to staff-jobs@hickmanbecker.com or by fax to (408) 414-1076. No phone calls, please.

For Recruiters

Send e-mail to careerinquiries@hickmanbecker.com. A complete submission must include:

  1. resume
  2. undergraduate transcript
  3. law school transcript
  4. writing samples
  5. an e-mail or cover letter about why the candidate is specifically interested in us

Use PDF format only for attached files.

We normally only consider inquiries about candidates with more than 4 years full time patent preparation-prosecution experience and portable business. Fees must be negotiated in advance.