Job Title: Paralegal
Job Responsibilities:
The Paralegal will manage patent prosecution processes, both . and foreign, for the law firm's Intellectual Property Practice Group. The role involves ensuring timely and accurate responses to communications from clients, foreign agents, and the . Patent and Trademark Office. Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing all necessary documents for USPTO patent filings.
- Drafting routine reporting letters to clients and foreign associates.
- Creating inventor formality documents for submission to the USPTO.
- Acting on client instructions and drafting responses to inquiries related to US, PCT, and foreign applications.
- Effectively using electronic resources from the USPTO and other government agencies.
- Monitoring and managing deadlines for the US and foreign docket, ensuring timely follow-up with attorneys, clients, and management.
- Collaborating with the IP docket department to clear daily docket reports according to firm guidelines.
- Reviewing client information to ensure compliance with special client instructions/procedures.
- Maintaining spreadsheets related to portfolio management for specific clients.
- Developing and updating worksheets to assist attorneys in managing client needs.
- Staying informed on rules, regulations, and procedures for filing domestic and international applications, working closely with attorneys.
- Collaborating with the IP Services Assistant team when necessary.
- Completing checklists, such as filing or Issue Fee checklists.
- Saving documents and correspondence in the firm’s document management system (iManage).
- Prioritizing daily tasks and communicating if unable to meet responsibilities.
- Providing backup support to team members.
- Tracking and recording client-billable time to meet billable requirement.
- Ensuring adherence to policies and procedures in daily duties, including client-specific instructions and firm guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficiency in USPTO procedures and best practices.
- Familiarity with . and international patent law, including PCT matters.
- Familiarity with Patent Center, the USPTO’s electronic filing and management system.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills for efficient management of tasks and responsibilities.
- Demonstrates proactive behavior with the ability to anticipate the needs of attorneys.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining strong attention to detail and producing a high volume of accurate work.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
- Ability to compose, proofread, and edit correspondence with accuracy in punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
- Ability to identify and analyze complex issues, recommending and implementing effective solutions.
- Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with diverse groups of clients, attorneys, and staff.
- Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external clients professionally.
- Demonstrates ability to understand specific client needs, providing support and planning to ensure high-quality and accurate work products.
- Ability to search various websites for client communication or maintain accurate information in the firm’s software applications associated with IP.
- Ability to self-manage and work independently in both hybrid and in-office settings.
- Willingness and ability to accept changing assignments and priorities.
Education and Experience:
- A Bachelor’s degree is required; or any combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
- Certificate of completion from a paralegal training program, with American Bar Association (ABA) approval preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive IP Litigation experience.
Salary Information:
Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, education, training, and/or experience. The hiring salary range is $105, - $125,.
Additional Information:
The law firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future. The firm will comply with applicable city or state workplace mandates regarding Covid-19. The position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job, and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The law firm adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status, and any other classification as protected by law.
