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Entry Level Patent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Foley & Lardner LLP

Legal Recruiting Coordinator

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $31.50/hr

Serve as a point of contact for summer associates, summer and entry-level patent engineer recruits, law student candidates, and entry-level associates throughout the recruiting cycle. * Build and ...

Haynes and Boone, LLP

File Clerk

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred ... as patent, securities, insurance coverage, and class action labor and employment matters. Our ...

Haynes and Boone

File Clerk

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred ... as patent, securities, insurance coverage, and class action labor and employment matters. Our ...

DUNWELL TECH INC

Technical Salesperson

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

Dunwell Tech is a major distributor of the patented Dino-Lite digital microscopes (www.dinolite.us ... ● Entry level okay, training is provided Benefits ● 401(k) ● 401(k) matching ● Health ...

DUNWELL TECH INC

Technical Salesperson

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

Dunwell Tech is a major distributor of the patented Dino-Lite digital microscopes (www.dinolite.us ... ● Entry level okay, training is provided Benefits ● 401(k) ● 401(k) matching ● Health ...

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All JobsPatent JobsEntry Level Patent JobsEntry Level Patent Jobs in California

Entry Level Patent information

What is an entry level patent?

An entry level patent job typically refers to positions such as patent analyst, patent examiner, or patent agent trainee, where individuals assist in reviewing, researching, and processing patent applications. These roles are often designed for recent graduates or those new to intellectual property law and require skills in technical analysis, legal research, and attention to detail. Entry level patent professionals work under the guidance of experienced attorneys or examiners, learning about patent laws and procedures while helping to protect inventions and innovations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Patent vs Patent Agent?

AspectEntry Level PatentPatent Agent
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in science or engineering; some may pursue patent-related certificationsSame as Entry Level Patent; typically requires passing the patent bar exam
Work EnvironmentSupport roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, or patent agenciesLegal practice, patent prosecution, and client consultations
Industry UsageEntry-level position in patent law and intellectual property sectorsLicensed professionals authorized to file patents and represent clients before patent offices

While Entry Level Patent roles involve supporting patent applications and research, Patent Agents are licensed professionals authorized to prepare and file patents, often with more responsibility and client interaction. Both roles require technical backgrounds, but Patent Agents have passed the patent bar exam, enabling them to practice independently in patent prosecution.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level patent professional expect in their first year?

As an entry-level patent professional, you will typically assist with preparing and filing patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and drafting patent claims under the guidance of experienced attorneys or agents. You may also be involved in responding to office actions from patent examiners and performing legal research. Collaboration with inventors, engineers, and legal teams is common, giving you a chance to develop both technical and legal skills. The first year is a valuable learning period where you'll gain exposure to various technologies and the fundamentals of patent law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level patent agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Patent Agent, you need a strong background in science or engineering, excellent analytical skills, and typically a bachelor’s degree in a technical field. Familiarity with patent databases, USPTO filing systems, and, ideally, completion of the Patent Bar exam are important technical qualifications. Attention to detail, clear written communication, and strong organizational skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for accurately preparing patent applications, navigating legal requirements, and effectively supporting clients’ intellectual property needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patent jobs in California?

The most popular types of Patent jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Patent jobs in California?

For Entry Level Patent jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Patent jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Patent job openings:

Entry Level Patent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Patent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Legal Recruiting Coordinator

Foley & Lardner LLP

Palo Alto, CA

$23.50 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Foley & Lardner LLP is a great place to work because of what we do and how we do it. Here, your unique perspectives, experiences, and abilities will be embraced and developed, so you can excel. Being a part of Foley means having the opportunities and resources necessary to gain experience, advance professional goals, and forge meaningful connections. It’s a place where you can build your career and enjoy professionally satisfying work. We have over 2,300 people who are #HappyatFoley, and we think you will be too.  

Foley & Lardner LLP is seeking a Legal Recruiting Coordinator to execute entry-level attorney recruiting and summer recruiting activities for the firm's California, Denver, and Salt Lake City offices. Reporting to the Legal Recruiting Manager, the Legal Recruiting Coordinator will also contribute to firmwide Intellectual Property entry-level recruiting efforts. This role is responsible for coordinating day-to-day recruiting operations, candidate and summer program experiences, and executing outreach initiatives that support the firm's entry-level legal recruiting goals. The Legal Recruiting Coordinator will regularly interact with candidates, attorneys, law school representatives, and serve as a proactive representative of the firm.


  • Coordinate and execute law student interviewing programs, patent engineer job fairs, and recruiting outreach events.
  • Facilitate candidate interview scheduling and logistics, including communications and attorney coordination.
  • Support planning and administrative processes associated with the summer associate and summer patent engineer programs.
  • Serve as a point of contact for summer associates, summer and entry-level patent engineer recruits, law student candidates, and entry-level associates throughout the recruiting cycle.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with law schools, student organizations, and key recruiting contacts to enhance the firm's visibility and support recruiting initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate recruiting records, candidate files, and budget tracking to support recruiting and summer program operations.
  • Coordinate recruiting committee meetings, materials, and related processes for assigned offices.
  • Collaborate with and support the Legal Recruiting Manager and other members of the Legal Recruiting team on recruiting initiatives, projects, and strategic priorities, including firmwide entry-level Intellectual Property recruiting efforts.
  • Attend recruiting and summer program events as needed. 

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of recruiting experience in a professional services industry required.
  • Law firm and event planning experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and attention to detail skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with candidates, attorneys, and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and viRecruit (or a comparable applicant tracking system) required.
  • Ability to travel occasionally and work extended hours during peak recruiting periods.

In support of transparency and equity in the workplace, Foley provides salary ranges for all positions. The figures below represent the full compensation range for this position. The actual amount offered will be between the range minimum and midpoint based on the following factors: education, experience, geographic market, and internal pay equity at Foley.  We are accepting ongoing applications.   Foley & Lardner LLP will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with California’s Fair Chance Act.

Salt Lake City - $58,100 to $81,300

Denver and San Diego - $63,900 to $89,400

Los Angeles - $66,800 to $93,500

Silicon Valley - $72,600 to $101,600

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