US IP Assistant

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, trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

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.

This position is available in any of our office locations - Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, or San Francisco. The U.S. IP Assistant will, with minimal guidance, perform specialized work by providing patent administrative support. A key component of the position is to provide support for review and report U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) correspondence to clients;

prepare and submit papers to the USPTO, engage timekeepers and clients with status updates, manage departmental deadlines and personal docket, and monitor workflow for assigned clients. In addition, the U.S. IP Assistant will ensure compliance with policies and procedures implemented by the client and Firm and support the IP Department to ensure client service and satisfaction is achieved throughout all assigned responsibilities.

• Review, report and forward official USPTO correspondence to clients.
• Review and report Office Actions.
• Assist with client portal management including document retrieval and reporting.
• Prepare and electronically file documents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• If applicable, enter time for tasks completed.
• Assist with processing foreign invoices through Chrome River.
• Assist with billing activities and expense reimbursement.
• 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 is essential.
• 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.

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

• 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. That's why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live…