Patent Agent Training Program
We have built one of the leading intellectual property practices in the country.
Our patent agents and our patent agent training program are critical to providing exceptional client service to our IP clients.
The patent agent training program expands our patent counseling and prosecution capabilities in emerging technologies and provides a clear career path in IP law for college graduates.
We support technical advisors as they become qualified, first as patent agents, and eventually as practicing patent lawyers within the firm. Our program participants play an essential role in the practice’s success, while working toward their own career growth and innovation at Perkins Coie.
We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across the firm. By creating a workplace that reflects our clients and our own communities, we continue to build a stronger practice and provide the very best service to our clients.
What Our People Say
“Perkins Coie’s patent agent program combines my science background with my interest in law and intellectual property. My experience as a patent agent has allowed me to develop my legal analysis and communication skills while introducing me to new technologies.”
- Ali Jenkins, Patent Agent, New York
“Through this program, I hope to condense the insight and legal acuity of generations of lawyers at Perkins Coie to hone my personal craftsmanship and become an effective patent lawyer.”
- Lois Lee, Technical Advisor, New York
“As a software engineer who loved writing requirements specs, I had a suspicion that I might be cut out for something a little different from standard engineering! Thankfully, my experience at Perkins Coie has borne out this suspicion, and I want to continue to develop my legal skills in patent prosecution while staying open to the new opportunities and areas of expertise that the law can provide.”
- David McNeill, Technical Advisor, Boise
“I chose Perkins Coie for its culture. I have found Perkins Coie attorneys to be approachable and easy to work with. They care about each employee as a person. I also appreciate that Perkins Coie has fostered my personal growth – everyone has been so supportive of my attending law school while working and has helped me manage my commitments.”
- Bailey Meyer, Patent Agent, Palo Alto
“Since joining Perkins Coie, I’ve developed my persuasive writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, all while leveraging my scientific and analytical thinking skills daily. Being a patent agent lets me sit right at the confluence of technology, law, and human progress, which leads to an engaging, dynamic work life. ”
- Vishal (Vish) Ravi, Patent Agent, New York
Innovative Patent Practices
Perkins Coie’s Patent Prosecution & Portfolio Counseling practice is one of largest within the Am Law 50, providing clients a full-service legal approach that increases the strength, diversity, and value of their patent portfolios. We’ve built our patent practice from the ground up to make sure we do not sacrifice quality when meeting clients’ deadlines or budgets. This allows our innovation to touch all aspects of the practice, including who we hire, how we prosecute applications, and the level of service we provide.
Industries our Patent Agents Practice In
Accolades
- Ranked as a global, national, and regional leader in Intellectual Property (IP) law by publications including Chambers USA, IAM, and Managing IP.
- Named the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Law Firm of the Year” in Patent Law four times.
- Recognized as a leader in innovation and technology for our patent portfolio tools by The American Lawyer and Financial Times.
Benefits and Well-Being
Wellness and Health
A holistic approach to well-being in law practice and life.
- Employee assistance program—including mental health concierge and therapy services
- Free access to mindfulness and meditation app
- Health advocate services
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Peloton app membership
- Weekly meditation sessions
- Well-Being Program—a program that raises awareness about mental health and encourages action to protect and care for individuals’ well-being
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Vacation and Time Off
Rejuvenating and recharging.
- Bereavement leave
- Heart and Soul days
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and personal health days (PHD)
- Jury duty leave
- Leaves of absence
- Paid holidays
- Paid sabbatical
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Family Care Benefit
Providing support for the needs of your family.
- Adoption assistance
- Back-up care (for children or adults)
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Elder care services
- Fertility coverage assistance
- Long-term care insurance
- Long-term disability
- Paid leave for new parents
- Personal accident insurance and business travel accident insurance
- Pet insurance
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Hybrid Work Model
Focusing on a successful work/life balance.
- $500 home equipment reimbursement
- Internet allowance
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Community Involvement
Providing opportunities to contribute to our internal and external communities.
- Employee referral program
- Firm social events
- Nonprofit agency involvement programs
- Paid community service day
- Service awards and recognition
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Financial Well-Being
Resources provided for you and your family.
- 401(k) with matching and annual retirement contribution
- Educational assistance program
- Financial consultation from Perkins Coie Trust Company
- Firm contribution to Health Saving Account (for individuals enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan)
- Healthcare, dependent care, and transportation flexible spending accounts
- Student loan refinancing programs
*Benefits and well-being offerings may differ based on office location.
Recruiting Contacts
Austin
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
Boise
William French he/him/his
Legal Recruiting Manager, WFrench@perkinscoie.com
Chicago
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
Dallas
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
Los Angeles
Niko Mclver she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Operations Administrator, NMcIver@perkinscoie.com
Madison
Anna Friesenhahn she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, AFriesenhahn@perkinscoie.com
New York
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com
Palo Alto
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com
Phoenix
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Administrator, MichelleMorris@perkinscoie.com
Portland
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com
San Diego
Niko Mclver she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Operations Administrator, NMcIver@perkinscoie.com
San Francisco
William French he/him/his
Legal Recruiting Manager, WFrench@perkinscoie.com
Seattle
Cinnamon Baker she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, CABaker@perkinscoie.com
Washington, D.C.
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com
Diversity is a long-standing core value and one of the firm’s strategic goals.
Embracing diversity allows us to draw from varied perspectives and communities, enabling us to attract the very best talent to our ranks, and in turn provide excellent service to our clients.
Our commitment to community spans more than a century.
We have a long history of giving back and helping those in need, building a more inclusive society, and providing equal access to justice. Our pro bono efforts drive tangible outcomes that make a real difference.