Patent Junior Legal Assistant (Multiple Offices)

About the role

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Patent Legal Assistant. We are considering candidates in the following U.S. offices: Century City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego (Del Mar), San Diego (Downtown), San Francisco, and Silicon Valley. There is only one opening.

We are hiring a proactive, motivated, and well-organized Patent Legal Assistant to support life sciences and healthcare IP attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and practice specialists in all aspects of patent prosecution. The role will primarily assist paralegals and practice specialists with the team’s daily workflow tasks. The job requires knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle various duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and development. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. The ideal candidate will have at least 2‑3 years’ of recent experience in U.S. patent prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Assist with submitting conflict checks and opening new matters, including preparation of engagement letters and management of client and case documents.
• Review and organize documents, files, and emails and ensure they are properly filed in First-to-File and NetDocs, according to the Firm’s filing protocols.
• Assist with maintaining client’s ShareFile spaces.
• Maintain working knowledge of client guidelines, procedures, and preferences.
• Research across patent databases such as USPTO, WIPO, Espacenet, and other foreign patent offices.
• Prepare new application papers such as Application Data Sheets.
• Prepare and send formal documents to inventors for signature, ensure timely receipt of signed documents, record and file formal documents with the USPTO.
• Assist with drafting reporting letters for USPTO mail.
• File US Powers of Attorney for transferred-in files and assist with transfer-in tasks related to new clients.
• Research case files, both US and foreign.
• Assist with running reports from firm’s docketing program.
• Assist with client projects.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2‑3 years of recent U.S. patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Clear and concise communication skills.
• Excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.

Skills

• Proficient working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
• Proficiency in Windows 11, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, Teams, Chrome River.
• Experience working with a document management system and an IP prosecution docketing system.
• Ability to quickly learn new skills and systems.

Education

• High school diploma required.
• Some college or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Benefits

• California: salary range $28.00 – $51.00 per hour.
• Illinois: salary range $30.00 – $55.00 per hour.
• Position eligible for bonuses.
• Eligible for medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Note: The foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good‑faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to Illinois Equal Pay Act.

Schedule

• Hybrid work model: minimum of 4 days per week in the office, remainder remote (subject to change).
• Indoor office work environment in a cubicle or workstation.
• Overtime may be required as job duties demand.