A well-established law firm in Los Angeles is seeking a IP Litigation Legal Secretary for their Intellectual Property Department in their Los Angeles office. This position will be part of the team of attorneys and support staff providing a high level of service to both internal and external clients. The firm has a strong dedication to its employees, values, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and commitment to the community.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assist with all procedural aspects of patent prosecution including preparing shells for, and filing applications, responses, IDSs, transmittal documents, etc.; collaborate with attorneys and paralegals as needed.
- Assist in drafting correspondence to clients regarding the status of applications and patents.
- Review and manage files and docket for deadlines, understand docket deadlines and action needed on each file; prepare shell prosecution documents.
- Electronic filing with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Act as a point of contact for the clients, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information.
- Assist with client invoice review, edits, and finalization.
- Provide back-up support to team and project assistance as needed.
- Other tasks as assigned including billing portions of your time.
Knowledge/Skills Required:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other software including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, timekeeping software, Adobe Acrobat, Visio.
- Familiarity with USPTO procedures, rules and requirements; knowledge of U.S. and PCT patent rules and procedures.
- Understand lifecycle of patent applications from pre-filing stages, to prosecution, onto issuance.
- Excellent client service skills:
- Possess effective written and oral communication skills
- Display a strong client service orientation with a positive attitude
- Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership over projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively
- Ability to assess information, anticipate issues and outcomes, and make effective decisions
- Excellent organizational skills:
- Must be a good planner and detail-oriented
- Ability to manage a high-volume of work in fast-paced environment, and work well under pressure
- Ability to meet deadlines, organize and prioritize assignments, and handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work independently and take initiative to move projects to completion
- Minimum of two years of U.S. patent prosecution experience working in a law firm or in-house legal environment in a legal assistant role or similar.
- Respectful, reliable and dependable team player; ability to work productively with firm personnel at all levels and with minimal supervision.
- Must be flexible with work hours and overtime as needed.
Preferred Experience:
- Four year degree or equivalent law firm experience
- Familiarity with iManage and Foundation IP a plus.
Please send your resume to Deisy Velazquez at DVelazquez@adamsmartingroup.com for confidential and immediate consideration.