A lawyer who practices in patent law may do some or all of the following: 
Prepare legal documents and legal opinionsNegotiate settlements of patent disputesPerform administrative and management functions related to the practice of patent lawAdvise clients on intellectual property issuesAdvise on the registrability of patents, patent licensing requirements, transfer of intellectual property and protection of existing patent rights, Plead clients’ cases before courts of law, Consult with foreign associates and attorneys on international patent matters, Perform the work of a patent agent if registered.
A patent lawyer in private practice works in law firms of all sizes or may be a sole practitioner. An in-house lawyer may work for corporations, government or universities.