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Careers

Patent Agents (US)

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Patent Agent Training Program

We have built one of the leading intellectual property practices in the US.

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 advisers 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 Ashurst Perkins Coie.

We prioritize diversity, inclusion and opportunity 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.

Our patent agents practice across a range of industries, including:

  • Energy & Infrastructure
  • Financial Services
  • Technology
  • Life Sciences & Healthcare
  • Retail & Consumer Products

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What we can offer you

  • Career development and training

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  • Global focus

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  • Pro Bono

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  • Globally recognized expertise and culture

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Benefits and wellbeing

We strive to create a workplace in which our people receive the resources they need to excel in their work and their everyday lives. That's why we offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including health and well-being, family, financial, and lifestyle benefits.

We are a global firm, and as such our benefits may differ according to office location. We effectively support the needs our people while taking into account their location. For specific details of benefits, please visit our Applicant Resource Hub.

Anchorage
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, AErstad@perkinscoie.com

Austin
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com

Bellevue
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, AErstad@perkinscoie.com

Boise
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, AErstad@perkinscoie.com

Chicago
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com

Dallas
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com

Denver
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, MichelleMorris@perkinscoie.com

Los Angeles
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, MichelleMorris@perkinscoie.com

Madison
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com

New York
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com

Palo Alto
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com

Phoenix
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, MichelleMorris@perkinscoie.com

Portland
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, AErstad@perkinscoie.com

San Diego
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, MichelleMorris@perkinscoie.com

San Francisco
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, DSparks@perkinscoie.com

Seattle
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, AErstad@perkinscoie.com

Washington, D.C.
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, SHayden@perkinscoie.com

Testimonials



“Ashurst 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
*Ali is an associate in our Los Angeles office as of 2024.

 



"Through this program, I hope to condense the insight and legal acuity of generations of lawyers at Ashurst Perkins Coie to hone my personal craftsmanship and become an effective patent lawyer.”

- Lois Lee, Technical Adviser, New York
*Lois is an associate in our New York office as of 2025.



"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 Ashurst 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



“Since joining Ashurst 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

Agencies

Agency submissions and candidate introductions will only be accepted with prior approval from a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Talent Acquisition team. To submit or introduce a candidate, an agency must have valid agreed terms of business in place with Ashurst Perkins Coie. Any agency submissions or candidate introductions made without prior approval or without the agreed terms of business in place will be considered invalid.