Patent Prosecution Paralegal (Multiple Offices)

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Patent Prosecution Paralegal. We prefer candidates who can work from our San Diego office but will consider other candidates who can work from one of our other U.S. offices. The other offices we are considering are: Del Mar, Chicago, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, Century City, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco. There is only one opening. Job Summary The Patent Prosecution Paralegal will primarily support life sciences IP attorneys and patent agents in all aspects of patent prosecution. The job requires strong working knowledge of U.S. and Foreign patent prosecution rules and procedures. Experience working with life sciences portfolios is preferred. The role involves handling multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, requiring sound judgment, prioritization, and flexibility. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle various duties and responsibilities outlined below. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. This role has a minimum annual billable requirement of 1600 hours. The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of experience in patent prosecution. Essential Functions Effectively communicates with Firm personnel at all levels. Works closely with attorneys and patent agents to prepare and file official correspondence using the Firm’s standards and procedures. Proactively manages casework and assignments, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner. Communicates docket updates to IP Docketing. Attends and actively participates in all training programs suggested by the Director of IP Administration, the IP Manager, and the Paralegal Manager. Contributes to the overall success of the Firm by performing other duties as assigned. Must be available and able to work during core business hours. Billing requirement of 1600 hours per year. Required Qualifications A minimum of 6+ years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm. U.S., PCT, and foreign patent rules and procedures. Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment. Strong working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center and preparing and/or filing in WIPO ePCT. Strong working knowledge of working with life science clients, US and foreign requirements for sequence listing submissions. Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed. Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills. Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines. Education A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred. License and Certification An ABA-approved paralegal certification is required. Computer/Software Knowledge Must have proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems. Work Environment Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high-rise building). Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation. The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 4 days per week and working from home one day per week (subject to change). Overtime may be required as the job duties demand. California: The salary range for this position is $51.00 - $76.00 per hour. Illinois: The salary range for this position is: $55.00 - $82.00 per hour. This position is eligible for bonuses. This position is also eligible for medical, vision, and dental insurance. Please note that 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. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Sheppard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.