US Patent Prosecution 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 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.

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. Patent Prosecution Assistant will, with minimal guidance, perform specialized work by providing patent prosecution administrative support to assigned clients. A key component of the position is to provide support for portfolio management, review and report U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) correspondence to client; 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. Patent Prosecution 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (hereinafter "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.

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.

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.

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 well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit-sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well-being, in your own way.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position that is eligible for a generous overtime plan that exceeds minimum legal requirements.

The anticipated good-faith base salary range for this position is:

• All locations - $60,000 to $72,000 per year.

Your exact offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, your experience, skills, and overall qualifications. We also review compensation regularly against industry benchmarks and performance…