IP Trademark Legal Assistant

About the Role

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Chicago, Milwaukee, or Waukesha office. The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group.

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 information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Prepare and format confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, TTAB filings, and reports
• Organize and maintain electronic files
• 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 Firm's expense management software, Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Assist in tracking continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Assist with civic, charitable, community, and professional activities, as workload permits
• Docket maintenance and tracking of reports with IP software

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• IP: 5+ years' experience in a legal environment, preferably in the 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
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• 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
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up
• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a 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 our team environment, across various groups and/or locations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• 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 to complex problems
• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Preferred Software Experience

• 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
• Chrome River or similar expense report and reimbursement software
• CourtAlert for TTAB tracking
• NAD filings

Pay

For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for an IP Trademark Legal Assistant in our California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois offices is between $64,100 and $91,400. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. IP Trademark Legal Assistants are eligible to participate in Michael Best's bonus program, subject to the program's conditions and restrictions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave
• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs
• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

Schedule

This position is considered full-time and requires ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week.