Patent Paralegal (Foreign Prosecution)

About the role

Fish & Richardson is seeking a Patent Paralegal (Foreign Prosecution) to join our Practice Systems Department. This role focuses on foreign prosecution support within a premier global intellectual property law firm.

How Will You Make a Difference?

• 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.

What Will You Bring to the Table?

• 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.

Why Fish?

• Competitive pay and discretionary bonus opportunities along with a rich benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
• Award-winning retirement and profit sharing plans with employer contribution.
• A family-friendly atmosphere with back-up child care, as well as health and wellness initiatives.
• A positive culture ranked as one of the best in the country in Vault's 2026 law firm survey.

Pay

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

Final compensation will be based on a variety of factors including education, experience, skills, professional background, overall qualifications, and location.