Having filed multiple patents, it does not leave a good taste in your mouth (esp software patents). You know you are bullshitting but unfortunately it needs to be done because others will do it and deny you to use the invention.
Getting that job was almost as easy as getting a software job in 2019. I had a masters in EE and a few years of SWE experience. I sent out 5 applications to top local law firms, got 3 interviews, and one offer over the course of a month. Apparently, the bulk of people in that role were post-docs in bio/chem who weren't excited about managing student loan debt while being underpaid lab people. (The EE/CS contingent was 5 out of 30 in the role, and I was the only one with actual SWE experience, so it gave the me and the firm creditability with inventors)
My salary matched my SWE salary, I had my own office + secretary, and the firm paid overtime and law school tuition. They also charged $250/hour for my time. I also only lasted about year in that role since it was very isolating and not collaborative.
The coolest part of that whole experience came a couple years later when I went to dinner with my wife, her close friend, and the friend's serious boyfriend. In the "what do you do" chit chat, he mentioned working with someone on a new way to brew and chill coffee quickly that they were close to bringing to market.
When I asked if it works like [describes invention exactly] his mind was absolutely blown away. As it turns out, I wrote their patent.
The very _concept_ of software patents should leave a bad taste in anybody's mouth.
Infact the patent holder can file a lawsuit against a startup. Now even if the startup can prove that the patent is invalid, it has to spend precious money on the lawsuit.