Overview
Introduction
McNeill is the ultimate haven for patent attorneys seeking maximum flexibility. The firm is fully remote and allows attorneys to set their own billable-hours goal, which results in associates who are very pleased with their work-life balance. And while the firm prioritizes the needs of attorneys and staff, it certainly isn’t lacking in the quality of work and caliber of clients served. The firm is well regarded for its IP work, even despite its relatively young age.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2023)
Featured Rankings
Base Salary
Major Office Locations
Major Practice Areas
Founding & Managing Partner
Vault Verdict
McNeill Baur is a unique firm that offers a fully remote environment for associates focused on patent work, so it’s no surprise it seeks candidates with IP experience and a science background. Associates find their colleagues friendly and helpful, but they agree the social aspect is limited due to the remote nature of the firm. Conversely, they are incredibly pleased with the work-life balance the remote set-up offers, which is amplified by the ability to set their own billable hours—this provides the ultimate flexibility aside from inevitable client deadlines. The firm’s compensation structure, based on hours billed, is overall viewed favorably, with a few minor concerns outweighed by appreciation for the flexibility it provides. Associates agree there is no shortage of interesti...
About the Firm
Focused on patents in the life sciences area, McNeill is home to nearly 20 lawyers as well as a team of patent agents, patent prosecution coordinators, and technical specialists.
Patent Focused
McNeill was founded in 2014. The intellectual property shop provides life sciences patent prosecution and counseling to a range of clients, ranging from large companies to startups. Many of the firm’s lawyers have advanced science degrees and boast experience in myriad scientific areas—from biochemistry and gene mutations to immunology and microbiology to ribozymes and virology, and more. The firm assists clients with all aspects of patent prosecution as well as patent opinions, due diligence investigations, patent appeals, and USPTO proceedings. Lawyers at the firm also consult on clients’ IP p...
Associate Reviews
- “People at the firm are friendly with each other, but interactions between associates/counsel are limited due to the nature of the firm (remote) and work (small projects, usually involving one partner and one working attorney). It takes special effort to get to know other associates/counsel, which is fine, but it's just not very social.”
- “Even though we are virtual, people often communicate by email and Teams. The firm has social events online and even send fun packages to use during the social events. The attorneys also have an interest in helping each other succeed. It is not a competitive environment.”
- “The virtual firm setting does not allow for much social interaction. We have routine attorney lunch and learn sessions and routine firm retreats. While my overall experience with the firm has been generally positive, it can be slow and sometimes difficult to get to know people when all interaction is by teleconference where it is hard to gauge how people are reacting and responding to you.”
- “Highly professional yet friendly environment with limited to no politics. Bi-monthly socialization via Zoom during the pandemic. Mostly interact via phone, text/e-mail, or Zoom calls.”
Getting Hired Here
- “I think former BigLaw associates specializing in patent prosecution and/or litigation are what the firm looks for. I did a mix of patent prosecution and litigation before joining, with a heavier emphasis on litigation. The firm was willing to train me to do prosecution!”
- “The firm maintains a well-curated roster of top-tier associates/counsel. The hiring process was fully remote, in keeping with the remote nature of the firm. Law school, science background, and personality/fit were probably the key factors.”
- “The firm requires that new hires have a science background since that is the kind of work we specialize in. They tend to look for experienced hires but do occasionally hire people with less experience and even some folks with just a science degree.”
Perks & Benefits