Legal Administrative Assistant

Miller Johnson, a rapidly growing Midwest law firm known for its entrepreneurial spirit, down-to-earth culture, and deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve, is seeking a Legal Administrative Assistant to support our Intellectual Property Practice Group.

About the role

In this role, you will be a proactive case partner to assigned timekeepers, owning the administrative workflow that supports the efficient delivery of legal services within the Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing, processing, and maintaining docketing system for U.S. and international patent and trademark filing and payment deadlines
• Coordinating with clients and third-party docketing software provider via phone, email, and in-person for payment of patent and trademark annuities and maintenance fees
• Preparing new client intake materials; opening new client matters; billing activities
• Coordinating administrative and legal practice tasks and projects for intellectual property attorneys
• Coordinating the filing of domestic and foreign patent and trademark applications, and all related forms and documentation, with the USPTO and foreign law offices
• Assisting in the preparation and filing of various documents with the USPTO, including formal documents for patent and trademark applications, responses to USPTO communications, and assignments
• Preparing correspondence to clients and foreign agents
• Acting on instructions received from foreign agents

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 2 years intellectual property administrative experience (preferred but not required)
• Minimum of 2 years administrative experience supporting multiple timekeepers (attorneys or paralegals), or practice group/firm operations required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites (including Outlook, Word, and Excel) required
• Proficiency in NetDocs or other document management systems required
• Proficiency with Literia NTD or other automated document formatting systems preferred
• Proficiency with LMS accounting software for time entry and billing preferred

Skills

• Mastery of the USPTO’s online tools (preferred but not required)
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in docketing software solutions (e.g., PATTSY Wave / Anaqua, CPi, CPA, or similar) (preferred but not required)
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word)
• Knowledge of U.S. patent rules and procedures (preferred but not required)
• Demonstrates personal responsibility for managing workflows, meeting deadlines, and ensuring matters move forward accurately and efficiently
• Communicates openly and professionally with attorneys, team members, and clients; handles confidential information with discretion and exercises sound judgment
• Maintains composure and effectiveness in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and sound prioritization skills when deadlines shift or urgent needs arise
• Produces high-quality, detail-oriented work; proactively reviews pleadings, filings, correspondence, exhibits, and case materials for accuracy, formatting, and completeness prior to submission
• Understands how legal support contributes to client service, litigation strategy, and matter outcomes; anticipates needs and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and workflow
• Collaborates respectfully with team members, participates in coverage planning, and contributes to a supportive team environment
• Demonstrates working knowledge of billing timelines and case progression from intake through resolution or trial

Culture and Values

Who We Are

• Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
• Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
• Grit – We push through and get it done
• Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
• Committed to Impact – We lift others up

How We Work

• Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
• Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
• Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

Benefits

We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work-life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible scheduling and paid time off
• Annual performance reviews
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Adoption assistance
• 401(k)-retirement plan