IP Legal Practice Assistant

Key Responsibilities

• Aid in preparing, filing, and prosecuting US patent applications via electronic filing with the USPTO.
• Send signature documents (Power of Attorney, Assignment, and Declaration) for inventor execution.
• Draft patent and trademark documents and correspondence.
• Remind timekeepers and clients of upcoming deadlines.
• Manage IP docketing deadlines using CPI and other internal resources.
• Research and gather foreign references and non-patent literature documents, as needed.
• Review filing receipts and notices of recordation from USPTO for accuracy.
• Support administrative aspects of IP work, such as conducting searches on the USPTO website and corresponding with the USPTO.
• Create and pull reports as needed by attorneys or paralegals from CPI.
• Maintain electronic files of all correspondence, work product, and domestic and international filings in the firm’s IP document management system according to department protocols.
• Prepare, revise, and format legal documents and correspondence using various software applications and according to instructions.
• Proofread documents and correspondence for content, spelling, grammar, language usage, and punctuation, saving documents in final form.
• Manage the business intake process, submit information for and request adversary searches, draft screening memos and engagement letters, and open new files.
• Act as a resource to teammates, sharing knowledge and mentoring as appropriate.
• Manage and maintain timekeepers' calendars, including court docket deadlines, conferences, teleconferences, depositions, and other meetings as requested.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years of IP legal practice assistant experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs.
• Ability to learn and apply practice group and/or firm-specific software programs, including CPI, PracticeLink, and NetDocuments, at a proficient level.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team structure.
• Effective communication, cooperation, and professional demeanor with firm clients and personnel.
• Organizational skills, prioritization, and ability to handle multiple tasks under time constraints.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork orientation.
• Strong grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and language skills, including understanding of legal terminology.