A patent attorney works with scientists/engineers (in my case Forest Service scientists/engineers) on their technical developments/inventions to determine if the inventions should be patented. Patents are used as a way to transfer the technology to the American public.
I use logic, problem solving, and writing skills everyday not just to understand inventions but also to understand all the agreements (e.g. confidentiality agreements, cooperative research agreements, etc.) that go along with inventions.
I do not answer research questions myself, but I work with scientists and engineers who are answering research questions. I must be able to understand their research and their ideas to convert those into patents so their inventions can be used by others.
I do not use laboratory equipment, but I do use standard office equipment such as personal computer, printer, scanner, etc.
Working with inventors is very exciting because they are so enthusiastic about their inventions and they love to talk about them!
In high school I wanted to be a veterinarian, but they said girls could not do that so I majored in biology. Then I went to law school. I still love animals!
