Frequently Asked Questions

What type of background do you need to be an attorney at Lahive & Cockfield?

Our attorneys typically have engineering or scientific backgrounds, including practical and clinical experience in corporate or laboratory environments. We look for a range of experience in professional fields such as microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Many of our attorneys have masters and Ph.D. degrees and have worked in industry or academic settings.

Candidates should be admitted to practice before a state bar and registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

We also look for candidates that are interested in working in a team environment, are flexible, and have superior client service skills.

What types of projects will I work on?

New associates and laterals work directly with our partners and technical specialists, assisting clients in patent prosecution for ground-breaking drug discoveries, innovative clean technologies, novel software development, and other projects.

Typical projects include:

• Working with partners, associates, technical specialists, and clients to develop IP portfolio strategy; learning how to evaluate the business, legal and technical components of an IP portfolio.
• Working directly with inventors, scientists, and engineers to evaluate the patentability of their inventions; digging into the technology, learning what is new or different about it and how it differentiates from the conventional techniques.
• Assisting with IP due diligence projects related to financing, mergers and acquisitions; working with start-ups, Fortune 500 companies and venture capital groups on multi-million dollar deals.
• Preparing and prosecuting patent applications; writing and filing the applications, meeting with USPTO examiners to explain the technology and how it differs from the existing technology; and working with clients to prepare response strategies.
• Investigating the patent landscape; researching freedom to operate and adverse positions; and working with clients to develop their IP strategy based on that research.
• Providing technical support in patent litigation.

What is the firm’s culture?

Lahive is committed to high-quality client work in an environment that is flexible and rewarding. We also recognize the importance of balancing professional and personal commitments in order to serve our clients and our families well.

Internally, we work as a team and we value collaboration that produces results. We know that teamwork and collaboration require flexibility and creative structuring to meet the needs of both clients and employees, and we live by those values. Our firm has long maintained flexible work arrangements that focus on results and not facades.

We also recognize the role of social interaction and good humor in building trust that is essential to teamwork. So we encourage our employees to have fun, socialize and express their personalities. The firm sponsors many formal and informal events that bring staff and attorneys together including family events and monthly birthday celebrations. A patent assistant who has worked at other Boston law firms said, “Lahive offers a uniquely congenial atmosphere not found in most law firms.”

We believe that Lahive & Cockfield’s culture, which values the entire person and recognizes what they bring to the team, is what truly makes the firm unique. Our true commitments to professional development, job satisfaction, flexible work arrangements, and personal well-being make Lahive & Cockfield a great place to work.

Does Lahive & Cockfield provide training and professional development?

Yes, training and professional development are integral parts of our firm. New associates learn about legal practice not just by working closely with partners and clients, but through participation in formal training programs and our Lecture Lunch series. Training programs include topic specific seminars, conferences and online webinars. Our unique Lecture Lunch series include case studies and legal updates presented by experienced members of the firm. We also provide business development training, ethics training, and various educational sessions through our Human Resources department.

What is the hiring process? How do I submit a resume?

We are always looking for talented attorneys with superior legal and technical skills, an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to work in a collaborative, team environment. The hiring process is managed by our Human Resources Director, so if you are interested in learning more about joining our team, please submit your resume to:

Jean H. Ward
Human Resources Director
Lahive & Cockfield, LLP
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
Email: jward@lahive.com
Fax: 617.742.4214