US Patent Prosecution Assistant

Overview

Who We Are

Arent Fox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, Arent Fox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start-ups, international governments, non-profits and trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

At Arent Fox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all of our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

Job Description

This position is available in any of our office locations - Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, or San Francisco.

• Provide patent prosecution administrative support to assigned clients with minimal guidance.
• Support portfolio management, review and report USPTO correspondence to clients; prepare and submit papers to the USPTO; engage timekeepers and clients with status updates; manage departmental deadlines and personal docket; monitor workflow for assigned clients.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures implemented by the client and Firm; support the IP Department to ensure client service and satisfaction.
• Review, report, and forward Letters Patent to the client; review and report Official Filing Receipts, Notices of Recordation, and Notices of Publication; review and report Office Actions; review and report Issue Notifications.
• Prepare and electronically file documents at the USPTO.
• If applicable, enter time for tasks completed.
• Review and process foreign invoices, prior to forwarding to accounting.
• Assist with additional duties and projects as assigned by Firm timekeepers and management.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to meet or exceed departmental quality and quantity standards per the Patent Prosecution Department Operational Guidelines.
• Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership over projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines, including demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects with often competing deadlines.
• Proven problem-solving skills and good judgment under pressure.
• Ability to resolve issues and concerns proactively, constructively, directly and respectfully.
• Ability to assess risk management issues and understanding when to seek appropriate assistance.
• Respect for confidentiality of client information.
• Ability to accurately interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form; to synthesize complex and diverse information.
• Meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, staff and timekeepers.
• Strong technical aptitude and understanding, including ability to quickly learn new software applications.
• Proficient in software applications related to functions of position, including Word and Outlook; basic knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint preferred; some knowledge of docketing database preferred.

Education:

• Minimum four-year college degree. Related work experience may be used in lieu of formal education.

Experience:

• This is an entry-level job, and no experience is required.

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life. We offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit-sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we provide a flexible reimbursement account to help pay for items contributing to personal well-being.

This is an hourly,…