THE OPPORTUNITY

Williams Parker, the region’s oldest law firm founded in 1925, is seeking an accomplished USPTO-registered Patent Attorney with 10+ years of experience and an established, portable book of business to lead and grow the Firm’s patent practice.

This opportunity is ideally suited for an attorney who serves as a trusted advisor to innovators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, technology companies, and closely held businesses, helping them protect, manage, and maximize the value of their intellectual property assets.

As Southwest Florida continues to experience significant population growth, business formation, and economic investment, this role offers a compelling opportunity to build and expand a sophisticated patent practice from one of the region’s most respected full-service law firms. Based in Sarasota, the successful candidate will serve a growing and increasingly diverse client base throughout Florida and beyond. Experienced IP paralegal support manages filings and docketing, allowing the attorney to focus on strategy, client relationships, and practice growth.

THE WORK YOU WILL LEAD

As the Firm’s senior patent practitioner, you will:

• Secure and steward patent portfolios. Prepare and prosecute patent applications, direct responses to Office actions, and manage domestic and international portfolios before the USPTO.
• Guide intellectual property strategy. Advise clients on patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and related intellectual property matters, including patentability, freedom-to-operate, and infringement risk, helping them align legal protection with business objectives.
• Structure and commercialize intellectual property assets. Draft and negotiate licensing agreements, technology agreements, confidentiality agreements, assignments, and other transactions involving valuable intellectual property rights.
• Collaborate across sophisticated business matters. Partner with attorneys throughout the firm’s Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate, Tax, Labor & Employment, and Trusts & Estates practices on matters involving intellectual property assets and protection strategies.
• Lead and grow the practice. Originate and expand client relationships, strengthen referral networks, mentor attorneys and professional staff, and shape the future of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice.

For more information about our Intellectual Property practice, click here.

Requirements

THE EXPERIENCE YOU WILL BRING

• Registered Patent Attorney. Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, supported by a degree in engineering or the sciences.
• Deep intellectual property experience. 10+ years of private practice experience advising clients on patent, trademark, technology, and intellectual property matters.
• Trusted business advisor. A demonstrated record of counseling inventors, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, technology companies, and business owners on complex intellectual property challenges, including evaluating patent portfolios, risks, and competitive positioning.
• Strong client relationships. An established, portable book of business, a record of originating new work, and a commitment to developing enduring client and referral relationships.
• Professional credentials. Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and membership in The Florida Bar, or admission elsewhere and a commitment to sit for the Florida Bar Examination, with exceptional judgment and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical advice.

Benefits

A PLATFORM BUILT TO ENDURE

Williams Parker offers an established platform for an accomplished Patent Attorney seeking to grow a sophisticated practice from Sarasota while serving clients wherever their business and intellectual property needs extend.

• A century of excellence. Join one of Southwest Florida’s most respected law firms, distinguished by long-standing client relationships, sophisticated legal work, and a century-long legacy of serving businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, and families.
• The opportunity to expand a growing practice. Build the firm’s patent practice and shape its future direction, with a defined path to partnership and economics that recognize origination.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration that strengthens client relationships. Leverage deep capabilities across Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Tax, Real Estate, Labor & Employment, Estate Planning, and Litigation to provide comprehensive counsel where intellectual property intersects with broader business objectives.
• A market without geographic boundaries. Practice from Sarasota while serving clients throughout Florida and beyond. The firm’s platform supports attorneys whose client relationships extend well beyond the local market.
• A competitive total rewards package. Dedicated administrative, marketing, business development, technology, and knowledge-management support, with market-leading compensation; comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and Employee Savings Plan and 401(k) benefits with employer contributions.