<p>The market for patent lawyers has remained fairly healthy through the downturn. The bar has been raised though - even for patent lawyers. </p>
<p>In patent law, the source of the undergrad/grad degree(s) is often more important than where you go to law school. There continues to be opportunities in law firms, in both patent boutiques and large law firms with active patent departments. More often than not, the positions with the top firms, and companies, require advanced degrees in science. Some require a Ph.D. I am working with a few patent attorneys now, with just undergrad science degrees, who are having a hard time making lateral moves. ( I am a headhunter for lawyers.) </p>
<p>Electrical engineering continues to be the most sought after specialty. Often, employers will accept computer science in its stead. Other active areas are chemistry and the life sciences. There are also opportunities with companies, but the often prefer to hire attorneys who have experience from a reputable law firm.</p>