Job Type
Full-time
Description
Intellectual Property | Life Sciences | Patent Prosecution We are seeking an experienced IP Legal Assistant to join our growing legal team and help manage sophisticated patent prosecution matters for clients developing tomorrow's medicines, therapies, and scientific breakthroughs.
This position works directly with attorneys and plays a critical role in ensuring patent matters move accurately, efficiently, and on time. Successful candidates will be comfortable taking ownership of their work, managing competing deadlines, and proactively keeping complex legal matters on track.
What You'll Do - Manage patent prosecution matters from intake through ongoing prosecution.
- Maintain and update docketing systems to ensure deadlines are accurately tracked and met.
- Prepare, review, and coordinate U.S. and foreign patent prosecution filings.
- Coordinate correspondence with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO.
- Support attorneys with filings, reporting, and administrative aspects of patent prosecution.
- Open new matters, maintain electronic files, and ensure accurate matter management.
- Monitor deadlines, identify potential issues proactively, and help keep matters moving without unnecessary follow-up.
- Collaborate with attorneys and fellow legal assistants to continuously improve workflows and client service.
What Success Looks Like First 30 Days - Learn the firm's clients, systems, docketing procedures, and prosecution workflows.
- Become familiar with attorney preferences and active client portfolios.
- Begin independently handling routine patent prosecution tasks.
First 90 Days - Independently manage assigned prosecution matters with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrate consistent accuracy, organization, and responsiveness.
- Become a trusted operational partner for attorneys and the legal team.
Requirements
What We're Looking For Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree required; degrees in legal studies, biology, chemistry, engineering, or another scientific discipline are preferred.
- 2-5 years of experience as an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant or Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant.
- Current experience supporting U.S. patent prosecution within an intellectual property law firm is required.
- Experience preparing and coordinating USPTO filings, correspondence, docket management, and patent prosecution workflows.
- Experience communicating professionally with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO.
- Demonstrated ability to manage numerous deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written communication, organization, and time management skills.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal practice management software.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience supporting international patent prosecution.
- Experience with AppColl or comparable IP docketing software.
- Experience working in a boutique intellectual property law firm.
- Familiarity with patent prosecution procedures, USPTO practice, IDS filings, Information Disclosure Statements, formal documents, assignments, and related prosecution workflows.
Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $35.00-$42.00 per hour (non-exempt;
overtime eligible), based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits include:
- Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- 401(k) with Matching
- Commuter Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Mental Health Days
- Employee Assistance Program
- Holiday Break (Christmas Eve through New Year's Day)
- Celebratory Birthday Leave
- Sunshine Fridays
Ready for Your Next Chapter? If you're an experienced IP Legal Assistant looking for meaningful work, greater ownership, and a collaborative firm where professional excellence and work-life balance go hand in hand, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to join a team that's helping protect the innovations shaping the future of healthcare, medicine, and science.
