Senior IP Assistant or Paralegal

Procopio is seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Assistant or Paralegal to join our dynamic IP team in any of our California offices (San Diego, Del Mar Heights, Irvine, or Palo Alto). This is a hybrid role with an in-office requirement of 3 days per week. This position will provide intellectual property prosecution support to IP attorneys and clients and will be an integral part of our mission to deliver exceptional IP services to our clients.

The Senior IP Assistant or Paralegal is responsible for supporting U.S. patent prosecution, including preparing and filing patent applications, Information Disclosure Statements, formal documents, office action responses, issue fees, and other standard prosecution documents. The Senior IP Assistant or Paralegal will also prepare and file PCT filings; coordinate international filings and prosecution matters with foreign associates; review and report incoming communications from the USPTO, WIPO, and foreign intellectual property offices, and participate in the quality control process for patent filings.

In addition, the Senior IP Assistant or Paralegal will manage deadlines, prepare docket reports, maintain electronic records, provide coverage for teammates, assist with the completion billing process, and track and enter time spent on billable projects. The Senior IP Assistant position has a 1,300-hour annual billable requirement. The Paralegal position has a 1,450-hour annual billable requirement.

The ideal candidate is an experienced IP professional with exceptional organizational, communication, and prioritization skills. Candidates must be detail-oriented, able to exercise sound judgment and critical thinking, and comfortable independently managing a high volume of work while collaborating with attorneys, staff, clients, and foreign associates. Candidates with experience supporting life science clients are preferred.

Qualified candidates should have at least five years of U.S. intellectual property prosecution experience. Two or more years of administrative and/or legal support experience is also preferred. Strong computer skills and expert knowledge of Microsoft Office programs are required, along with experience using USPTO systems. Familiarity with IP docketing systems is preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Procopio’s Culture of Excellence drives a collaborative and service-oriented environment. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is an important part of our culture. Procopio has been recognized by Diversity Lab as a Mansfield Plus firm for advancing diverse attorneys into leadership roles and has been consistently ranked among the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms.

Procopio offers generous total compensation packages. Typical pay range is from $80,000 – $130,000, depending on experience. If your pay expectation is outside this range, we still encourage you to apply. Bonuses are awarded in recognition of individual and firm performance. Full-time employees can participate in our comprehensive benefits program, including medical (HMO/PPO plans), dental (HMO/PPO plans), vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, an Employee Assistance Program, firm wellness incentives, a 401(k) profit-sharing program, and a generous paid time off policy. There are also opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the Firm.

Procopio is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any basis protected by law.