Patent Paralegal

IP Administrator (Patent)

JOB SUMMARY: The IP Administrator (Patent) (IPA) provides support to one or more practitioners which requires strong knowledge in domestic patent prosecution. The IPA may also provide dedicated support to one or more clients. The IPA is responsible for preparing legal documents associated with domestic patent prosecution; maintaining dockets, files, and data integrity; interacting with clients and related personnel; providing practice support and assistance; and serving as a liaison between practitioner and external and/or internal team members or departments. The IPA operates independently and as a service-oriented team member who contributes positively to the department and firm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Independently prepares legal documents, reports, and correspondence associated with domestic patent prosecution for practitioners and/or clients. Prepares and files documents with USPTO. Assists practitioners manage their dockets according to firm practices. Organizes and maintains the integrity of electronic data and files relating to clients' intellectual property in accordance with firm policy and procedures. Reviews incoming correspondence including paper and electronic mail, facsimiles, docketed information, and/or client instructions and takes necessary action in accordance with firm policy and procedures. Demonstrates strong proficiency with a range of software applications including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and applicable IP software solutions. Learns new applications as needed. Uses exceptional communication skills to interact with various parties via telephone, electronic mail, and facsimile as necessary. Consistently follows-up and maintains open lines of information-sharing with client(s), practitioner(s), direct supervisor, and other firm management and personnel as needed. Coordinates with colleagues and/or departments to ensure successful completion of assigned tasks and other requests in a timely manner. Researches and retrieves information for the completion of assigned tasks utilizing applicable resources. Such resources may include the firm Intranet, firm training materials, legal rules books (e.g., the MPEP, etc.), the USPTO website, etc. Acts as a resource for others to enhance overall productivity of the firm. Participates in pilot programs and/or product deployments as needed. Assists with testing of new and/or updated systems as needed. Provides problem-solving research and feedback relating to new and/or revised procedures, workflow efficiencies, law and/or rule changes, group/department/firm initiatives, etc. as needed. Assists with guiding, mentoring, and training others as needed. Assists and supports direct supervisor and other firm management with special projects/requests and/or additional direct practitioner and/or client support as needed. Performs general administrative and support duties or tasks as required and requested. Takes on additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of three to six (3-6) years of domestic patent prosecution experience in a law firm or professional setting. Law firm setting preferred. Comprehensive knowledge of domestic patent prosecution procedural terminology, requirements, and workflow. Strong oral and written communication skills. Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with different levels of constituencies both as an individual contributor and in a team setting. Exceptional critical thinking, interpretive, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to accuracy and detail. Proven ability to prioritize own work. Flexibility and resourcefulness, and a strong willingness to support the firm and its business needs. Proven ability to respond calmly, efficiently, and effectively in stressful situations. Strong proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, and applicable IP software solutions. Comfort using new technologies and databases. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and able to prioritize tasks in a very efficient manner. Demonstrated success functioning in a demanding service-oriented environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality of matters and other firm business information. Punctual and reliable. Ability to adhere to established work schedule, but with flexibility required to respond to workload demands and work additional hours when necessary.

Wolf Greenfield offers a comprehensive benefit package focused on the overall well-being of firm employees. Our benefits include multiple health care plan options, vision and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts/health saving accounts and life insurance. Eligibility for our employer sponsored 401(k) plan includes an employer match and discretionary profit sharing. The firm is invested in our employees development by providing tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities. Additionally, WGS offers further benefits and perks focused on employee well-being including generous paid time off; including sick time and vacation time, parental leave, commuter benefits, charitable matching gift program, well-being support and much more!

Physical Demands: The firm will strive to provide reasonable accommodations, as requested, to enable an employee with a disability to successfully perform this position in our office setting. Frequent communication is an essential aspect of this position and employees must be able to exchange timely and accurate information in a variety of situations. This position may also encompass maintaining a stationary position for long periods of time (at least up to 50% of the workday) with occasional movement, as well as lifting and/or moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds. Other essential functions may apply and employees working remotely have the same or similar requirements.

Work Environment: The office work environment of the firm is characteristic of the environment the job holder will encounter. In this typical office setting, an employee will encounter standard office equipment and any noise associated with that equipment. The noise level is usually quiet to moderate. The office setting of Wolf Greenfield requires the ability to manage multiple work priorities along with frequent interruptions.