Reply to Is there really a need for patent lawyers and is it possible to transition to it as a non trad?

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Reply to "Is there really a need for patent lawyers and is it possible to transition to it as a non trad?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]
I don’t think you understand how law firms work.  I get that you understand the client side, but that’s not the same thing law firm internal dynamics.[/quote]I do deal with this and how partners get credit varies drastically from firm to firm.  When the rules are archaic, giving credit to old white hairs, it often creates a negative client experience.  We have moved away from those firms.  I still maintain that his has nothing to do with OP, who is probably 20 years from needing to worry about any of this.[/quote]
DP here who's brother is a partner at an IP boutique. I agree with the PP you are disagreeing with. I've seen this from the client side and have a fair bit of understanding about the internal workings of IP law (my brother was in-house at a big company and has also worked in a couple of different firms). You are right that there is some variation in compensation structures, but I think you are misinformed if you think that rainmakers are somehow not better compensated than people doing the technical work...and overall you seem misinformed about the trends in compensation for patent attorneys.

I think OP would be best off sticking with regulatory work if there is an opportunity to move toward private sector work in the same field with mid-6 figure compensation. If s/he were to go into non-R&D private sector work that is closely related to product, s/he could also end up mid-six figure easily...but with a much higher ceiling assuming they are well-positioned to move up the management/executive ladder (though the bioengineering labor pool is larger than other STEM fields, so in general it's harder to move up the pay scale). At the end of the day, though, it really comes down to priorities. I just wouldn't trade the stress of BigLaw for a 7 figure salary...especially at a time where clients are asserting a lot of leverage to reduce attorneys' fees.[/quote]

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