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July 20, 2026

Patent Associate – Engineering

Intellectual PropertyPatent Prosecution
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

San Diego, Salt Lake City, Boulder, District of Columbia, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley

Patent Associate – Engineering

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & RosatiSan Diego, Salt Lake City, Boulder, District of Columbia, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley

Practice area

Intellectual Property · Patent Prosecution

PQE

1-2 years

Locations

San Diego, California | Salt Lake City, Utah | Boulder, Colorado | District of Columbia, District of Columbia | Boston, Massachusetts | New York City, New York | Los Angeles, California | Silicon Valley, California

Employment type

Full-time

Overview

  • Requires 1-2 years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm setting.
  • Requires active Patent Bar membership.
  • Candidates must have a B.S./B.A. degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees are preferred.
  • Working knowledge or practical experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), solid state physics, quantum computing, nuclear physics, semiconductors, or optics is strongly preferred.
  • Candidates need strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, along with superior academic credentials.
  • The salary range is $225,000 – $310,000, based on year classification, with discretionary merit bonuses also possible.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits include healthcare for you and dependents, monthly wellness reimbursements, and emotional/behavioral health support.
  • Extensive family support benefits include family-building assistance (IVF, adoption, surrogacy), paid parental leave, parenting concierge services, and backup childcare.
  • Financial benefits include a 401(k) retirement plan, Health Savings Accounts with firm contributions, and flexible spending accounts.
  • The firm covers CLE, bar review fees, and bar dues. Pretax commuter and parking benefits are also provided.
  • Additional insurance options are available, including life, disability, long-term care, critical illness, and pet insurance.

Last updated: July 21, 2026

More Intellectual Property positions in San Diego →All positions at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati →Browse all positions →

Trusted recruiters

Work with a recruiter who has a real relationship with the hiring team and comes recommended by your peers.

  • Kate Reder Sheikh
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Kate Reder Sheikh

    Legal Recruiter

    Major, Lindsey & Africa

    Why talk to Kate Reder Sheikh?

    Yan-Xin Li joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Francisco office in the Intellectual Property group.

    My New York-based MLA recruiter connected with me with Kate because I was considering exploring San Francisco as a market. And now here I am in amazing California. My entire interview process was seamless because of Kate. She was always responsive, gave me helpful information, adequately prepared me for interviews and calls, and just an incredible resource for all things technical (e.g., timing and logistics of switching employers and giving notice) and non-technical (e.g., local advice on SF neighborhoods, answering random questions related to a cross-country move). I consider her a colleague and a friend, and I think you'd be in great hands as her client.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Yan-Xin Li

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • San Francisco
  • Gregory Gambill
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Gregory Gambill

    Legal Recruiter

    Slate Legal Recruiting

    Why talk to Gregory Gambill?

    Oliver Green joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's New York City office in the Antitrust group.

    Working with Greg was a very smooth experience. From the outset, it was clear that he is knowledgeable about the industry, has strong relationships across firms, and puts his candidates at the center of the process. Greg took the time to understand my goals and was a steady hand throughout, always professional and an excellent communicator. He turned what can be a daunting recruiting process into a seamless one, and his guidance was instrumental in helping me land the right opportunity. I highly recommend anyone exploring their lateral options make him their first call.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Oliver Green

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • New York City
  • Darin Morgan
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Darin Morgan

    Legal Recruiter

    Major, Lindsey & Africa

    Why talk to Darin Morgan?

    Steve Boughton joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's District of Columbia office in the Energy group.

    Darin helped me secure the dream job with a team that meets all my needs. He has high emotional intelligence, keeping me on track without being pushy. Most importantly, Darin is invested in his clients for the longterm. Though we first spoke many months prior to the role I landed, Darin instantly alerted me to the unicorn role as soon as it came on the market. His timeliness meant that I had an offer before most recruiters had even flagged the position for me. I cannot recommend working with Darin enough.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Steve Boughton

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • District of Columbia
  • Summer Eberhard
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Summer Eberhard

    Legal Recruiter

    Lateral Link

    Why talk to Summer Eberhard?

    Anjali Krishnan joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Francisco office in the Tax group.

    Summer helped me navigate the west coast legal market as a foreign attorney which was a challenge with my practice. She gave great insights on the market to steer me in the right direction and even worked with me in putting my materials together. Most importantly, she was extremely responsive and managed my expectations along the journey. I am thankful to her for helping me transition to the US market.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Anjali Krishnan

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • San Francisco
  • Priya Gulati
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Priya Gulati

    Legal Recruiter

    Pacific Legal Search

    Why talk to Priya Gulati?

    Adam Grajewski joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Diego office in the Corporate group.

    Priya gets it done. Regardless of how strong you are as a candidate, Priya adds value to your search in ways you may not appreciate until you're in the process. She provides a personalized strategy, impeccable organization skills and responsiveness, a sterling reputation among law firm contacts, invaluable insights, dedicated interview prep and so much more. On top of that, she does her job with grace and integrity. When I had an offer in hand and was considering all options, Priya did NOT pressure me to accept the offer, and even suggested I might want to stay put if I felt a certain way. This was against her immediate self interest and speaks volumes about the kind of person and professional she is. Finally, Priya is so down to Earth and a true joy to work with. I can't recommend her enough.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Adam Grajewski

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • San Diego

Trusted recruiters

Work with a recruiter who has a real relationship with the hiring team and comes recommended by your peers.

  • Kate Reder Sheikh
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Kate Reder Sheikh

    Legal Recruiter

    Major, Lindsey & Africa

    Why talk to Kate Reder Sheikh?

    Yan-Xin Li joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Francisco office in the Intellectual Property group.

    My New York-based MLA recruiter connected with me with Kate because I was considering exploring San Francisco as a market. And now here I am in amazing California. My entire interview process was seamless because of Kate. She was always responsive, gave me helpful information, adequately prepared me for interviews and calls, and just an incredible resource for all things technical (e.g., timing and logistics of switching employers and giving notice) and non-technical (e.g., local advice on SF neighborhoods, answering random questions related to a cross-country move). I consider her a colleague and a friend, and I think you'd be in great hands as her client.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Yan-Xin Li

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • San Francisco
  • Gregory Gambill
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Gregory Gambill

    Legal Recruiter

    Slate Legal Recruiting

    Why talk to Gregory Gambill?

    Oliver Green joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's New York City office in the Antitrust group.

    Working with Greg was a very smooth experience. From the outset, it was clear that he is knowledgeable about the industry, has strong relationships across firms, and puts his candidates at the center of the process. Greg took the time to understand my goals and was a steady hand throughout, always professional and an excellent communicator. He turned what can be a daunting recruiting process into a seamless one, and his guidance was instrumental in helping me land the right opportunity. I highly recommend anyone exploring their lateral options make him their first call.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Oliver Green

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • New York City
  • Darin Morgan
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Darin Morgan

    Legal Recruiter

    Major, Lindsey & Africa

    Why talk to Darin Morgan?

    Steve Boughton joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's District of Columbia office in the Energy group.

    Darin helped me secure the dream job with a team that meets all my needs. He has high emotional intelligence, keeping me on track without being pushy. Most importantly, Darin is invested in his clients for the longterm. Though we first spoke many months prior to the role I landed, Darin instantly alerted me to the unicorn role as soon as it came on the market. His timeliness meant that I had an offer before most recruiters had even flagged the position for me. I cannot recommend working with Darin enough.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Steve Boughton

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • District of Columbia
  • Summer Eberhard
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Summer Eberhard

    Legal Recruiter

    Lateral Link

    Why talk to Summer Eberhard?

    Anjali Krishnan joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Francisco office in the Tax group.

    Summer helped me navigate the west coast legal market as a foreign attorney which was a challenge with my practice. She gave great insights on the market to steer me in the right direction and even worked with me in putting my materials together. Most importantly, she was extremely responsive and managed my expectations along the journey. I am thankful to her for helping me transition to the US market.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Anjali Krishnan

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • San Francisco
  • Priya Gulati
    Top recruiter for this opening

    Priya Gulati

    Legal Recruiter

    Pacific Legal Search

    Why talk to Priya Gulati?

    Adam Grajewski joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Diego office in the Corporate group.

    Priya gets it done. Regardless of how strong you are as a candidate, Priya adds value to your search in ways you may not appreciate until you're in the process. She provides a personalized strategy, impeccable organization skills and responsiveness, a sterling reputation among law firm contacts, invaluable insights, dedicated interview prep and so much more. On top of that, she does her job with grace and integrity. When I had an offer in hand and was considering all options, Priya did NOT pressure me to accept the offer, and even suggested I might want to stay put if I felt a certain way. This was against her immediate self interest and speaks volumes about the kind of person and professional she is. Finally, Priya is so down to Earth and a true joy to work with. I can't recommend her enough.

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

    Adam Grajewski

    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati • San Diego