Patent Paralegal (Foreign Prosecution)

About the role

Fish & Richardson, the premier global intellectual property law firm, is trusted by the world’s most innovative and influential companies. Established in 1878, Fish now has more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S., Europe, and China. Join Fish’s team in the fast-paced Practice Systems Department as a Patent Paralegal (Foreign Prosecution).

Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare, obtain, and file documents related to all phases of patent prosecution, including requests for client instructions; assignments; and responses to office actions.
• Maintain and manage a prosecution docket and follow up on items to ensure due dates and deadlines are met.
• Account for all hours worked on a daily basis by entering time into the firm’s timekeeping system to achieve the billable goal as established by practice management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA (American Bar Association) recognized program or equivalent experience in legal support.
• 5+ years experience as a Patent Paralegal with foreign prosecution knowledge.
• Foreign prosecution experience is required; U.S. experience is a plus but not required.
• Ability to meet the firm’s billing requirement of 1300 hours per year.
• Willingness to assist other team members when needed and ability to work well within a team-oriented environment.
• Preparation and filing of information disclosure statements and formal documents experience (i.e., assignments, declarations, office action shells, etc.) is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in the office as needed for training and collaboration, for a minimum of 3 days per month.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and discretionary bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Award-winning retirement and profit sharing plans with employer contribution.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with back-up child care.
• Health and wellness initiatives.
• Positive culture ranked as one of the best in the country in Vault’s 2026 law firm survey.

Pay

The pay range for this position varies by geographic market. Final compensation will be based on a variety of factors including education, experience, skills, professional background, overall qualifications, and location.

• In San Diego, the estimated starting pay range is $38.46 - $60.44 per hour (based on a 35-hour workweek), equivalent to $70,000 - $110,000 annually.
• In Chicago and Minneapolis, the estimated starting pay range is $33.33 - $52.31 per hour (based on a 37.5-hour workweek), equivalent to $65,000 - $102,000 annually.
• In Silicon Valley, the estimated starting pay range is $41.21 - $64.29 per hour (based on a 35-hour workweek), equivalent to $75,000 - $117,000 annually.