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April 02, 2008
Did you miss today’s Patent Law presentation?
If you missed today’s presentation by Gene Quinn from the Practicing Law Institute, you missed some great information about the patent bar exam as well as “insider’s tips” on preparing for and conducting a patent law job search. Fortunately, though, your friendly CSO staffer was there taking notes! Mr. Quinn’s advice for students included the following:
• Networking is crucially important in the patent law field. He encouraged students to get out and talk to people, attend meetings and social events, and attend CLEs. (PLI actually offers student “scholarships” to their patent CLE programs, allowing students to attend for only $25. To learn more, email mdighton@pli.edu.)
• A patent law resume should not look exactly like a typical law school resume for a general practice firm or public service organization. A patent law resume should highlight experience (including patents held and articles published) wherever possible. In the case of students with extensive previous experience, a resume that looks more like a CV is acceptable.
• Employer research is critical. You must know how to position yourself to each employer’s specialties and needs. You must research what scientific areas an employer specializes in and make sure that your background matches their needs and clientele.
• Don’t be shy about providing detailed information on your resume about your past experience, including detailed descriptions of what you’ve done in the past, what programs/technologies you’ve worked with, etc. Patent law firms are unique in that the person reviewing your resume will almost always be a person with a hard science background as well. This means that the usual rule of avoiding technical language or industry jargon doesn’t always apply when applying for patent law opportunities.
Stop by the CSO to pick up some extra handouts from the session, and please direct any questions you may have to a CSO counselor.
Posted by kcc17 at April 2, 2008 04:05 PM