Like QContinuum said above, passing the patent bar isn’t fully required for the job (you can be a patent scientist or technical advisor) but it can definitely make the job search easier. I took time to take the PLI course and pass the patent bar during my job search and it certainly helped, but I do know people who got patent scientist jobs without the bar passage. So I’d suggest doing the job search and study for the patent bar at the same time, don’t wait until you pass to start looking for a job.EnglandPrevails1 wrote:Thanks @Marmalade for your excellent response.
While I definitely want to get things moving, if my LSAT retake does not go well, I would definitely follow your advice. My plan for this summer, regardless of what happens, is to pass the "USPO bar" which would let me be a patent agent, and then I would look for a job, both to get experience and hopefully bank a little money before law school.
I appreciate your input and I'll update this thread based on what transpires.
I think you said you’re in New England/east coast? Boston has a large life sciences presence and a lot of BigLaw and boutiques that do life sciences IP.
In terms of patent bar courses if that’s a path you decide to take, you absolutely need to buy one, you will not be able to sit down with the MPEP and self study. PLI is the most expensive, but has probably the best passage rates. The patent laws changed significantly in 2013 (AIA) and the cheaper courses haven’t fully updated their materials and questions yet.