Paralegal (Intellectual Property)

Position Summary

This role is responsible for providing patent paralegal support to multiple attorneys, keeping in compliance with statutory requirements within the prosecution side of our firm-wide Intellectual Property practice group. It requires a confident and professional individual with good organizational skills and writing ability.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and manage U.S. and international patent applications, including provisional, non-provisional, PCT, and national-phase filings.
• Draft, review, and submit USPTO documents such as Office Action responses, Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), manage formal papers from inventors and Powers of Attorney.
• Coordinate international patent filings with foreign associates and oversee global prosecution deadlines.
• Maintain accurate docketing of all patent-related deadlines, ensuring compliance with USPTO and foreign jurisdiction requirements.
• Serve as a point of contact for attorneys and foreign counsel regarding filing requirements, deadlines, and case status.
• Organize and maintain patent prosecution files and electronic records in accordance with firm standards.
• Prepare and review the daily docket report and proactive interaction with assigned attorneys and agents.
• Assists with coordination of incoming and outgoing file transfers.
• Processes incoming mail (original/electronic), reports communications from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to attorneys and clients, and ensures prompt responses to inquiries.
• Support patent portfolio management activities, including audits, reporting, and special projects as needed.
• Communicate professionally, productively, and efficiently with clients, contacts, attorneys, other paralegals, all other Firm workers, and all others.
• Track and record time to ensure services provided are appropriately charged.
• 1400 billable hours annual requirement.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree and/or paralegal certificate required.

Experience, Skills & Competencies

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a patent prosecution setting (law firm or in-house legal department) required.
• Technical Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel); experience with document management systems and Adobe Acrobat preferred.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills: Ability to organize files, manage routine administrative tasks, and handle multiple assignments while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Judgment, Initiative & Prioritization: Applies sound judgment, initiative, and basic prioritization skills to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, following established procedures.
• Communication & Collaboration: Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and administrative staff.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Working Conditions

• Primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction across attorneys, paralegals, and administrative teams.
• Occasional travel to court, other office locations, or external administrative sites may be required.
• Work hours are generally standard business hours; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines or support urgent matters.
• Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability, strong attention to detail, and effective prioritization.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while performing administrative duties.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. for filing, document handling, or office materials.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, filing, and scanning.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and handling of office equipment.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to accurately review legal documents, read computer screens, printed materials, and communicate effectively.

Pay

We expect the hourly rate for this position to be between $44.75 and $49.25.

Benefits

Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k, Life, Disability.

Schedule

M-F 37.5 hrs./week. Hybrid work environment with two in-office days after the first 90 days of in-office training.