FAQs
General Questions about Firm
Why should I join an IP firm instead of an IP department at a large general practice firm?
IP is all we do. We have a singular focus and all of our professionals are on the same page. The scope, depth, and breadth of our intellectual property expertise sets us apart even from the huge multinational law firms that have built IP departments in recent years. Our size, strength, focus, and national reputation bring industry leaders, renowned universities, and high-profile start-up companies to our door, yet our high-powered practice occurs in an intimate setting where we know and care about one another and achieve an enviable balance between work and home. Our systems and processes are set up for an IP practice, so there’s never any doubt that you will have the support structure you need to get your work done as efficiently and effectively as possible.
How does Wolf Greenfield's single office compete with multi-office law firms?
For more than 80 years, our Boston office has attracted top legal talent and A-list clients from all over the world. A centralized location fosters strong attorney relationships and helpful exchanges of information. When a client’s needs call for international services, we rely on our carefully chosen network of international law firms to provide the specific knowledge and service required.
What is the management structure of the firm?
First, we are a professional corporation, which is why our “partners” are called shareholders. The firm’s Executive Committee (EC) is charged with making policy decisions for the firm. The current EC members are Tim Oyer (President and Managing Partner), shareholders Jim Foster and Randy Pritzker, and Executive Director, Bob Edwards, who is responsible for managing the firm’s daily operations. A team of Directors, reporting to Bob Edwards, manages the firm’s six administrative departments:
- Client Services – Sara Crocker
- Finance – Maureen Rielly-Ross
- Human Resources and Facilities – Sheila Connors LeDuc
- Information Technology – Matt Berg
- Intellectual Property Services – Lisa Fletcher
- Paralegal and Library Services – Kathy Kerr
What are the criteria for partnership?
We evaluate associates under consideration for partnership on their own unique merits, and based on their total contribution to the firm. Billable hours are a factor, but only one of many, including non-billable contributions to the firm such as mentoring of younger lawyers. You will receive a formal list of criteria, and we regularly offer feedback on whether you’re “on track.” If any issues arise, we'll let you know what specific areas need improvement.
What is the ratio of associates to shareholders?
Grouped together, the associates and tech specs have a roughly 2/1 ratio to shareholders. We don’t have a specific target for this ratio, but are careful to ensure that all of our people get the right on-the-job training by working closely with shareholders. We will also see that you work with as many shareholders as possible during your years as an associate so that, as a group, they are familiar with you and your work when considering you for partnership.
Do I need a science or engineering degree to work at Wolf Greenfield?
As a member of one of our patent groups, you will need at least an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. As a member of either our Litigation or Trademark Groups, however, no such restriction applies.
Do Associates and Technology Specialists serve on firm committees?
Absolutely. We value the input of our associates and tech specs and include them on nearly all firm committees, including Hiring, Training, Technology, and Client Services Committees. In addition, we have an Associates Committee which serves as a liaison between the associates/tech specs and firm management.
What is the dress code at Wolf Greenfield?
We are “business casual” every day and those wearing jeans on Fridays make a $1 donation to a firm-sponsored charity. Of course, we expect all employees to dress appropriately when attending court, client or other professional meetings.
When do my benefits become effective?
Each benefit plan has its own schedule of eligibility, but medical and dental insurance are effective for full-time employees on their first day of work. See Benefits and Compensation for more details on benefits.
What kind of social activities can I expect?
We enjoy firm-wide, group-wide, and cross-group social activities, and both planned and impromptu get-togethers. We schedule a firm-wide winter party each year as well as an annual summer outing for employees and their families.
In addition, there are occasional “Wine Downs”, informal late afternoon gatherings in the office to celebrate firm victories, in court as well as on the court. We’ve recently added “Game Night” with tutorials offered for those who need some coaching in the art of poker before joining the game.
Periodically, family members, including children, are invited to the firm where special age-appropriate activities are planned. We would be thrilled to have you join our notorious softball team or our championship basketball team (be sure to ask about the trophy!).
What’s the best way to reach the building?
The firm is located at 600 Atlantic Avenue, directly across the street from South Station. Commuter rail, bus, Silver and Red Line trains arriving at South Station allow for a particularly easy commute, but there is just a short walk involved to reach Blue and Orange line trains. The T’s Green Line is within walking distance, but also accessible via a quick ride on the Red Line. For complete directions, click here.
Where can I park if I want to drive into work?
There is a parking lot directly across the channel that is visible from Summer Street. It is often referred to as the “Necco” lot. Also, there is parking at the Federal Courthouse and at other local lots which offer both daily and monthly parking rates.
Where can I get lunch around here?
The firm provides refrigerators, toasters and microwaves for those who choose to bring lunch from home. The building offers a full cafeteria. In addition, there are many spots in the neighborhood offering a wide range of lunch options.
Questions about Tech Spec Program
What do we look for in a tech spec?
Most importantly, we look for team players with outstanding communication skills and technical abilities. We also look for those who are business-minded, thrive on challenge, take a creative approach to solving problems, and pay attention to details without losing sight of the big picture. Tech specs also manage Patent Office deadlines and client service, so we also look for people who are organized, results-oriented, and on top of their game.
What are the expected hours?
Tech specs are required to work 1800 hours (about 7.5 billable hours a day) in the year before they start law school and 1500 hours (about 6.5 billable hours a day) in each of their first three years of law school and a lesser amount during their last year of law school (to allow time to study for the Massachusetts Bar Exam). In addition to these billable hours requirements, tech specs spend some time each day in non-billable activities, such as attending training sessions and participating in group or committee meetings.
What is law school like?
First and second year law students typically spend three evenings a week in core required classes like Criminal Law, Contracts, Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, and Property. Starting with the third year, law students are afforded more flexibility to select schedules and subjects. Some tech specs choose to concentrate their elective classes in the field of Intellectual Property, while others take a diverse range of classes in subjects like Trial Practice, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Liberties, Health Law, Environmental Law, and International Law.
Why has your firm decided upon an evening law school program?
We find that our tech specs prefer attending school in the evenings because it makes it easier to balance work and school. Rather than having to attend classes periodically during the day, evening students can focus on work during business hours, and then turn their attention to classes once the work day is over.
Working during the day gives our tech specs the opportunity to fully integrate into client teams, allowing them to quickly develop the legal skills and client relationships critical to their professional development. By attending classes in the evenings, our tech specs tend to develop close bonds with their law school peers because they share the same class schedules as well as the unifying experience of balancing school with work.
Listen to Tech Spec, Karen Martin, talk about being able to build client relationships by working during the day. Get the Flash Player to see this player. Hear Tech Spec, A.J. Tibbetts, describe how working days and going to school evenings helps him maintain his focus. Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Will I be “throwing away” my science or engineering background by pursuing a career in patent law?
On the contrary! Since patent law involves learning cutting-edge technologies, a strong science or engineering background is essential. In fact, the Patent Office requires applicants to have a science or engineering background to take the “Patent Bar” and become a registered patent agent.
Further, through speaking with inventors who are at the forefront of their fields and analyzing problems in diverse technical areas, you will likely find that you become more—not less—technically sharp.
What is a “patent agent”?
A patent agent is a non-lawyer who is registered to represent patent applicants before the Patent Office in obtaining patent protection. To become registered, you must satisfy the Patent Office’s technical credentials and other requirements for admission to the registration examination (the “Patent Bar”), and pass the examination. The Patent Bar tests the rules and regulations of patent practice.
Most of our tech specs take the Patent Bar approximately one to three years after joining. We pay for your exam registration and a review course, which most choose to take. Once you become an attorney, your status will change from patent agent to registered patent attorney.
How much client contact will I have?
You will be face to face with clients right off the bat. Learning how to deal directly with inventors, senior management, venture capitalists, and outside attorneys is an integral part of your training. We supervise and shepherd you through the initial client contact, then gradually step back and watch you grow as you work.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
In addition to the ongoing feedback you will receive from those with whom you work, we have a formal annual associate review process which incorporates detailed reviews from all the shareholders who have worked with you over the year. Less formal reviews with your practice group leader will occur semi-annually
Can I participate in firm activities?
Absolutely. We value the input and contributions of our tech specs, and encourage active involvement in leadership roles at both the practice group and firm levels. Tech specs participate in activities such as interviewing candidates, presenting to prospective clients, conducting seminars at local universities, and serving on practice group committees and our Associates Committee (a liaison between the associates/tech specs and firm management).
Is a tech spec’s salary reduced during law school?
No. Although tech specs work part-time while they attend law school, they are paid as full time employees.
Why should I be a Tech Spec at Wolf Greenfield?
As the first of its kind in Boston, our tech spec program is a deeply rooted part of our success. We have a well established and highly regarded training program to help you develop into a top notch patent attorney. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional work and service, and emphasize quality, not quantity.
The work that we do for our clients is exciting and diverse. You will participate on client teams for all types of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, universities, and start-ups.
We also offer formal mentoring, a congenial atmosphere, and a low hours requirement.
Wolf Greenfield is a great place to work, and we’re not the only ones who think so — we’ve been named one of the Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work” for four years.
