Become a General Attorney (Trademark Law) at the USPTO
Are you a seasoned litigator with a passion for intellectual property? The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is looking for a dedicated General Attorney to join its Office of the Solicitor in Alexandria, Virginia. This is a premier opportunity to engage with high-stakes trademark law, shape agency policy, and represent the Director in federal courts.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Attorney, you will:
- Defend decisions made by the Director and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) in federal district and appellate courts.
- Prepare and file amicus briefs on behalf of the Director regarding critical trademark issues.
- Coordinate with the Department of Justice and Department of Commerce for Supreme Court litigation.
- Provide legal advice on copyright, ethics, and rulemaking matters.
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess a J.D. or L.L.M. from an accredited institution, maintain an active Bar status, and have at least four years of post-JD trademark litigation experience.
Salary and Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $169,279 – $197,200 |
| Location | Alexandria, VA |
| Schedule | Full-time, Permanent |
| Education | J.D./L.L.M. required |
Benefits
USPTO attorneys enjoy competitive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement plans, and work-life balance initiatives such as situational telework.
How to Apply
- Visit the official application link.
- Submit a concise two-page resume.
- Upload your Bar membership and academic transcripts.
- Complete the required assessments.
This role offers unparalleled professional growth. If you are prepared to lead complex litigation and influence the future of trademark law, apply to the USPTO today.
Why This General Attorney (Trademark Law) Job Matters
Shape the future of intellectual property law as a Lead General Attorney with the USPTO in Alexandria, VA.
General Attorney (Trademark Law) Job Overview
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking an experienced General Attorney to join the Office of the Solicitor. This high-impact role focuses on trademark litigation, appellate advocacy, and providing expert legal counsel to senior agency leadership. You will play a pivotal role in representing the agency's interests before federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court, while collaborating with the Department of Commerce and Department of Justice.
Requirements for General Attorney (Trademark Law)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (L.L.M.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the Bar in any U.S. state, D.C., or territory.
- Minimum of four years of professional legal experience post-J.D., specifically in trademark litigation.
- Specialized experience equivalent to at least one full year at the GS-14 level.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must successfully complete a background investigation for a high-risk position.
- Ability to work on-site at the Alexandria, Virginia campus.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (Trademark Law)
- Proven experience drafting pleadings, briefs, and legal opinions regarding complex trademark issues.
- Demonstrated history of conducting legal research on intricate policy or factual matters.
- Experience in federal district court trademark cases and appeals to federal courts.
- Background in trial proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
- Experience providing legal advice on rulemaking, legislation, and ethical matters.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a top-ranked federal agency.
- ✓Situational telework eligibility based on agency policy.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney (Trademark Law) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney (Trademark Law) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting specific litigation experience.
- Gather law school transcripts and proof of active Bar membership.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
- Submit the full application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be excluded.
- Explicitly list your experience in MM/YY - MM/YY format with hours worked per week.
- Substantiate all claims made in cover letters within your resume.
- Tailor your resume to reflect the specific duties mentioned in the announcement.
- Monitor your email for requests for follow-up documentation after the announcement closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework, though it requires a consistent physical presence at the Alexandria, VA campus.
What level of security clearance is required?
This is a high-risk public trust position requiring a comprehensive background investigation.
Are there limits on the resume length?
Yes, the resume must be exactly two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Job from Patent And Trademark Office
The USPTO is the federal agency responsible for granting intellectual property rights for patents and trademarks. With over 200 years of service, the agency is frequently ranked among the best places to work in the federal government. Employees enjoy a professional, collegial environment and the chance to contribute to the nation's economic engine.