Legal Staff Paralegal in Kansas City, MO

Law Firm

Kansas City, MO

Legal Staff Paralegal in Kansas City, MO

Legal Staff

No

Job Title: Paralegal - Patent/IP

Job Responsibilities:
The Patent Paralegal is tasked with assisting in the administration of patent filings and registrations under the supervision of an attorney. The role includes providing limited backup coverage for trademark administration based on experience. Key responsibilities involve supporting the law firm’s Patent team through various tasks, including:

- Administering, maintaining, and managing entries in the patent database for client registrations and deadlines.
- Reviewing communications related to the . Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), clients, in-house attorneys, foreign associates, and annuity services.
- Drafting correspondence for the USPTO, clients, foreign associates, and annuity services.
- Administering patent application filings and processing formal filing requirements for . and foreign patent applications.
- Requesting examinations for foreign patent applications.
- Monitoring deadlines and sending notices to clients regarding upcoming requirements.
- Corresponding with foreign associates regarding filings, prosecution, deadlines, and billings.
- Preparing formal papers, obtaining client signatures, and coordinating legalization for foreign matters.
- Coordinating file intake and entering matters in the tracking system for new clients.
- Anticipating attorney and client needs for specific projects and delegating tasks to other Paralegals or Legal Administrative Assistants as necessary.
- Designing, recommending, and implementing new processes and procedures for increased efficiency.
- Acting as a liaison between internal departments and external agencies.
- Meeting a billable hour requirement of 1550 hours per year.

Additionally, the role includes general and administrative duties, which make up 25% of the job, such as time entry, scanning, emailing, assisting in firm marketing for the practice area, and performing other assigned duties.

Education and Experience Information:
Required Education & Experience:
Candidates must have completed one of the following educational pathways:
- A Bachelor's degree, or
- An Associate’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of law firm experience in a Paralegal capacity, or 2 to 5 years of complex law-related experience under the supervision of an Attorney or Senior Paralegal.
- Additionally, candidates with an Associate’s degree must have completed an educational program for Paralegals approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or offered by an accredited institution following ABA guidelines for Paralegal programs.

Experience with docketing management systems such as CPI, CPA, or PATTSY is required, along with patent prosecution experience.

Preferred Education & Experience:
Preference is given to candidates with law firm experience and trademark prosecution experience is considered a plus.

Salary Information:
The job posting does not provide specific salary information. However, it mentions that the law firm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Competencies:
Candidates should possess strong verbal and written communication skills, be self-motivated, and have excellent organizational skills with attention to detail. A professional demeanor with a strong customer service orientation, a commitment to meeting deadlines, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are essential. The role requires independent thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions. Being a team player who can motivate and educate other team members is also important. Regular and predictable attendance is a critical component of the position.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position does not entail any supervisory responsibilities.

Travel:
Minimal travel is expected for this position.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The role operates within a professional office environment with standard office equipment usage. The work environment is fast-paced and may require additional hours to complete work. Physical demands include talking, hearing, sitting, using hands and fingers, standing, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The job requires regularly lifting and moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision.

EEO Statement:
The law firm is an equal employment opportunity employer encouraging applications from qualified minority, female, veteran, disabled, and diverse candidates. The firm conducts criminal background checks on all individuals offered employment and provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. It is committed to non-discrimination regarding pay discussions and inquiries among employees and applicants.