Patent Attorney

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Legal Counsel I provides legal support to the Company by advising internal business partners on day-to-day legal matters within an assigned practice area or business segment. Under the guidance of more senior attorneys, Legal Counsel I applies foundational legal knowledge and an understanding of the Company’s business to deliver practical, risk-aware legal advice in support of corporate objectives.

This is an onsite position located in Holland, MI. It is not eligible for hybrid or remote work at this time.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Provide legal advice and support related to intellectual property and applying relevant laws and regulations to business activities and decisions.
• Draft, review, analyze, and negotiate legal documents and materials appropriate to the assigned practice area, such as agreements, policies, transaction documents, or compliance-related materials, in accordance with Company standards. This includes evaluating invention disclosures and preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in a variety of fields, such as material science, mechanical engineering, acoustics, electrical engineering, and chemistry.
• Conduct patent analysis for infringement, validity, freedom-to-operate, and prior art.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify legal issues, assess risk, and recommend practical solutions consistent with Company policies, risk tolerance, and business objectives.
• Support legal matters, transactions, or projects by assisting with due diligence, research, documentation, issue tracking, and coordination with internal teams and outside counsel, as appropriate to the role.
• Conduct legal research and analysis; monitor legal and regulatory developments relevant to the assigned practice area; and assist with the implementation of legal or compliance updates.
• Support compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, including escalation of issues to senior attorneys as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development, review, and maintenance of legal templates, policies, procedures, and guidance materials relevant to the practice area.
• Proactively identify potential legal risks and issues and communicate them to senior attorneys or Legal leadership, recommending mitigation strategies where appropriate.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and Legal Department projects, working independently on assigned tasks or collaboratively as part of a team.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

HOW YOU’LL DO IT

• Attention to detail - Ensures information is complete and accurate; follows up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.
• Communicating Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding, taking into account the unique needs of different audiences.
• Personal accountability - Keeps promises and honors commitments, accepts responsibility for one's actions and assumes responsibility when dealing with problems, crises, and issues.
• Situational adaptability - Demonstrates the flexibility to adapt to changing environments. Adjusts approach to adapt to shifting demands.
• Project Management - Applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to manage and meet project requirements.
• Maintaining a high level of honesty, integrity and confidentiality with respect to company matters.
• Complying with all Company policies and procedures, safety regulations, company safety policies and safely perform all duties, including but not limited to, promoting a safe workplace.
  

WHAT TO BRING

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school and good standing member of state bar (Michigan preferred).
• Registered as a Patent Attorney and admitted to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office.
• 2+ years of experience practicing law in a relevant subject matter area.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more substantive area of law, including, but not limited to, employment, contracts, corporate law, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property law, and relevant regulatory frameworks, as applicable to the position.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Excellent communication, business writing and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  

WHAT WILL HELP

• Bachelors Degree in Material Science, Material Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patents in automotive, aerospace, medical, audio, and/or consumer products industries.
• Experience supporting an in-house legal department or advising business clients in a corporate, law firm, or regulated industry environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, manage competing priorities, and communicate legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.