Intellectual Property Legal Assistant

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group, with an emphasis in the patent field. This position can be based in our Madison or Milwaukee office.

About the Company

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals serving clients around the world. Since our founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs while maintaining exceptional legal service and business acumen. Our contemporary office spaces support a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls, and travel on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation, including initiation of conflict checks, input into the Firm's new business intake system, and preparation of engagement letters
• Prepare and format confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, USPTO filings, and reports
• Organize and maintain electronic files
• Serve as liaison with foreign associates
• Respond to and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into the Firm’s expense management software, Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Communicate with clients regarding billing issues and status of matters
• Assist in tracking continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Docket maintenance and tracking of reports with IP software

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• 5+ years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in Intellectual Property practice areas
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention to detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents
• Current notary public in good standing or willingness to gain certification
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Skills

• Technology literacy and willingness to learn innovative technologies and software
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in the following software is a plus:
  • Anaqua or similar electronic IP docketing/reporting software
  • iManage or similar electronic document management system
  • DocuSign or similar e-signature program
  • iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
  • Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software
  • CourtAlert for TTAB tracking
  • NAD filings
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firm evolve
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure with varying deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, time management, and follow-up skills
• Team player mentality with a desire to be part of a collaborative, high-performing group
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in a team environment across various groups and locations
• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions

Benefits

• Learning and Growth
  • Challenging and dynamic role
  • Career development planning
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • Performance management and coaching
  • Specialized training programs
• Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision care
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Wellness program
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Total Compensation
  • Competitive base pay
  • Annual merit review/incentive pay
  • Outstanding benefits
  • Generous PTO plus 10 paid holidays
• Planning for the Future
  • 401(k) with company contribution
  • Short-term and long-term disability plans
  • Life insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Parental/family leave
• Culture and Workplace
  • Respected organization with a collaborative culture
  • Growing firm with an exciting future
  • Contemporary work environment
  • Positive and respectful work climate
  • Performance recognition