Trademark Legal Support Specialist

About the Firm

Sideman & Bancroft LLP is a San Francisco-based boutique law firm with a national reputation for excellence in intellectual property, estate planning, tax, white collar defense, and complex business litigation. We pride ourselves on combining deep subject-matter expertise with personalized, client-focused service. With 100 attorneys and staff, we offer the sophistication of a large firm with the culture of a smaller practice, where every team member plays an essential role in delivering exceptional results.

The Role

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Trademark Legal Support Specialist to provide administrative, docketing, practice support, and paralegal support to our trademark team. This hybrid role is integral to the efficient operation of the trademark practice, ensuring that matters are accurately maintained, deadlines are met, and attorneys receive timely support throughout the lifecycle of trademark matters. The ideal candidate has experience with trademark docketing/knowledge, strong deadline management skills, familiarity with PATTSY or other IP management systems, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced legal environment.

Responsibilities

Trademark Docketing Support

• Create and maintain trademark docket entries and calendar deadlines.

• Monitor filing dates and deadlines and provide timely reminders to attorneys and team members.

• Run PATTSY reports and serve as a backup resource for the system.

• Support database quality control, process improvements, and other docketing related projects.

Trademark Paralegal Support

• Assist with trademark clearance tracking and conduct online and e-commerce marketplace searches to identify potential trademark conflicts and infringement.

• Prepare and distribute client notices and other trademark related correspondence.

Practice Support

• Maintain foreign counsel contact information and coordinate related communications.

• Assemble documents, correspondence, and supporting materials for attorney and client use.

• Provide proactive support to attorneys and the trademark team to facilitate efficient matter management.

• Assist with special projects, reporting requests, and workflow improvement initiatives.

Administrative & Secretarial Support

• Prepare, revise, format, and distribute documents and correspondence.

• Schedule meetings and coordinate calendars.

• Handle mailings and provide general administrative support.

• Manage matter opening and closing processes and ensure required documentation is maintained.

• Save and organize emails, correspondence, and matter-related documents.

• Assist with third-party vendor invoice processing and billing support.

Qualifications Required

• 2–4 years of experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or similar role supporting an IP or trademark practice (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Demonstrated experience with docketing systems and calendar management.

• Familiarity with PATTSY or similar IP reporting systems, or the ability to quickly learn proprietary systems.

• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, email management). Comfortable learning new software and databases.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred

• Experience with trademark clearance, filings, or prosecution processes.

• Prior experience conducting marketplace infringement searches and online investigations.

• Experience with practice management and billing systems (time entry and vendor invoice workflows).

Soft Skills & Attributes

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and stay focused in a fast-paced environment

· Professional communication skills and comfort working with attorneys and leadership

· Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information

· Proactive mindset and willingness to take ownership of tasks

· Desire to learn, grow, and take on new challenges over time

Requirements added by the job poster

• Full-time, onsite for first 90 days (with potential hybrid flexibility thereafter)