Legal Assistant - Patent (Palo Alto, CA) (#5006)

About the role

We are seeking a Legal Assistant in our Patent department for our growing Palo Alto office. As a valued team member, you will provide legal administrative support in a fast-paced environment to attorneys and paralegals.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal administrative support to attorneys and paralegals, serving as a liaison for clients.
• Initiate client/matter openings, including conflicts checks and engagement letters.
• Proactively review calendars to maintain an overview of attorneys’ deadlines; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure deadlines are met.
• Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents.
• Enter attorneys’ time; ensure accuracy by proofreading, using spellcheck and appropriate task codes to comply with firm policies.
• Absorb and distribute monthly proformas, review and edit proformas, and send invoices and related correspondence to clients.
• Maintain client and docket files; work with document management system, docket system and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records.
• Absorb and coordinate with attorneys and paralegals on upcoming dates and deadlines for filings, etc.
• Absorb and prepare information disclosure statements.
• Process and route incoming mail and electronic communications upon receipt as well as prepare outgoing mail (including packages for shipment) for prompt delivery.
• Process reimbursement requests, check requests, and vendor invoices.
• Cook up and schedule attorney meetings and appointments, including scheduling conference rooms.
• Cook up and coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and rental cars.
• Maintain attorney CLE records, including seminar registration and reporting.
• Delegate administrative tasks to Department Administrative Assistants.
• Provide a high level of customer service to attorneys and clients.
• May be requested to perform other duties as requested.

  Requirements

  • High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • At least 4 years of related experience, law firm experience preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Proficient with Kofax Power PDF.
  • Excellent oral and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent customer/client service focus and skills.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflict and working in challenging situations.
  • Ability to maintain client and firm confidentiality.
  • Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use independent judgment.
  • Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the practice area.

  Qualifications

  • High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  • At least 4 years of related experience, law firm experience preferred.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Proficient with Kofax Power PDF.
  • Excellent oral and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent customer/client service focus and skills.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflict and working in challenging situations.
  • Ability to maintain client and firm confidentiality.
  • Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use independent judgment.
  • Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the practice area.

  Skills

  • Microsoft Office proficiency.
  • Kofax Power PDF proficiency.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Customer service skills.
  • Time management and multitasking abilities.
  • Legal terminology and procedure knowledge.

  Benefits

  Reasonable Accommodations: Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.

  Pay

  The pay range for this position in California only is $34.87 to $64.87 per hour. This range represents Dorsey’s good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.

  Contact Information

  To apply, please go to the “Careers” section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs and complete Dorsey’s online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email. Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status. Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify. The pay range for this position in California only is $34.87 to $64.87 per hour. This range represents Dorsey’s good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.