Attorneys
Challenging Opportunities
The professional working environment at BSTZ mirrors the excitement of our clients’ technologies, as well as the learning climate of a university. Attorneys experience the rewards of an environment that nurtures creativity, cultivates innovation, and encourages individual accomplishment. Our attorneys immediately become intricately involved in guiding and protecting the innovations and ideas of leading technology companies. Attorneys collaborate with the top engineering, science, business and law professionals in the field to ensure that we provide the best possible legal services to our clients.
At BSTZ, we do the very best job for our clients. At the same time, we foster an environment that allows an attorney time for personal interests and family, while providing challenges, growth opportunities and inspiration.
Training and Development
In the fast-paced world of high technology and intellectual property law, it is important for our attorneys to stay up to date on changes affecting the protection of their client’s intellectual capital. For this reason, the firm has created a career curriculum that gives our attorneys access to training seminars and hands-on workshops so that they can develop and hone the full range of skills necessary to remain talented, creative and engaged. Our curriculum also ensures that our attorneys have the tools to successfully partner with clients. At BSTZ, our attorneys experience the unique combination of a dynamic law practice and immersion in today’s technologies. We know our people are our greatest resource, and we put our promises about their career growth into action.
Mentoring and Feedback
All new associates participate in an orientation program which provides information about the firm and its expectations. Each new attorney is also matched with mentors who are senior associates and/or partners. Mentoring is a significant investment we gladly make because it helps the firm build the next generation of BSTZ attorneys.
Formal reviews are conducted for associates semi-annually. The evaluations consist of a written set of criteria. The process focuses on factors that help to guide an associate’s professional development and partnership prospects.
Partnership Track
For associates who join BSTZ right out of law school, the typical amount of time to partnership is five to seven years. Our partnership track is shorter than that of other firms, and our billable hour requirement reflects the firm’s commitment to balance in the lives of its attorneys.
Compliance with CLE Requirements
BSTZ is an accredited continuing legal education (CLE) provider in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State. Given the breadth and depth of the firm’s educational programming, attorneys are able to satisfy their state-specific CLE requirements. Attorneys may also satisfy their CLE requirements by participating in activities sponsored by the Practising Law Institute, in which BSTZ has a Privileged Membership.
On–going educational seminars include:
- Duty of Disclosure
- Software Patents Around the World
- Content of Patent Applications
- Foreign Filing & Prosecution
- Trademarks
- 35 U.S.C. 102/103
- Appeal Practice
- Opinion Letters
- Allowance Issuance
- Reissue/Patent Corrections
- Continuation Practice
- Claims Drafting
- Ethics in Patent Practice
- Amendments
- Prior Art
- Licensing
- Invention Disclosure
Compensation and Benefits
The following benefits apply to Associate Attorneys and Patent Agents.
- Medical Coverage
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
- Medical Care Reimbursement Account
- Domestic Partner Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan
- Holidays
- Long-Tenure Bonus Leave Program
