Intellectual Property Project Assistant II
About the Firm
McDermott Will & Emery is a leading global law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault, and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. At McDermott, we invest in your future and accelerate your career, supporting you both in and outside of the office.
- A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity.
- Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, ensuring everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.
- Support to feel your best and do your best: Our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
- Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.
About the Role
The Intellectual Property Project Assistant II provides administrative support to the IP Prosecution, Transactions & Strategy practice group attorneys and support staff. This position assists with departmental file organization, maintenance, and basic document creation. The role works under immediate supervision and relies on instructions and pre-existing guidelines to perform essential functions.
Responsibilities
- Prepare time-sensitive client reporting letters for various U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) actions and submissions and assist with client reporting for international IP matters.
- Assist with the invoice intake and billing process, including saving files to the Firm’s document management system (DMS) and submitting through Chrome River.
- Collaborate with IP Legal Practice Specialists/IP Filing Specialists and the Information Governance department to open new client matters.
- Maintain client folders within the DMS, including uploading, organizing, and archiving documents.
- Download patent materials from the USPTO and compile client document files.
- Review various USPTO communications for accuracy.
- Upload/download patent-related documents, correspondence, and data to and from client systems and databases.
- Assist IP Filing Specialists and IP Paralegals in preparing and filing patent applications, information disclosure statements, issue fee payments, and fee address forms.
- Assist with new client intake and transfers.
- Assist IP Filing Specialists in preparing and filing U.S. formality documents with the USPTO.
- Assist IP Filing Specialists in preparing corrected formality documents for filing with the USPTO.
- Review and update dockets daily.
- Assist in performing status checks.
Requirements
- High school diploma.
- At least three years of related work experience.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly.
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses. Full-time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
Pay
Target hiring range: $59,000 - $86,000. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk, and hear.
- Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
- Typical indoor office environment.