Legal Assistant, Intellectual Property

McCarthy Tétrault LLP; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the legal sector is seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant specializing in Intellectual Property. This mid-senior level position offers a dynamic hybrid work environment in the vibrant city of Vancouver. You will play a crucial role in drafting and managing legal documents, filing applications with various intellectual property offices, and ensuring the meticulous organization of case files. The firm is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, providing outstanding benefits, competitive compensation, and ample opportunities for professional growth. If you are detail-oriented and possess strong communication skills, this is an exciting opportunity to advance your career in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Insurance premiums paid by the Firm

Wellness reimbursements

Technology reimbursements

Paid overtime

Generous time off

Day off to volunteer

Birthday day off

Professional development opportunities

Strong community involvement

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years as a Legal Assistant in Intellectual Property.
• Strong experience with Patent and Trademark processes.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prepare correspondence using Word and Excel templates.
• Manage physical and electronic files for the IP group.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Oral communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Confidentiality

Proactive approach

Education

Legal Assistant Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PATTSY database

CIPO online tools

USPTO online tools

WIPO online tools

Clarivate

Job description

Join to apply for the Legal Assistant, Intellectual Property role at McCarthy Tétrault.

Job Description

At McCarthy Tétrault, we offer challenging and rewarding career opportunities and are delighted to have been selected for the eleventh consecutive year in 2023 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. Our culture is built on professional excellence, collaboration, innovation, thought leadership and entrepreneurialism. We embrace inclusion in all its forms and we provide the tools and opportunities to help our people develop to their full potential.

This position can be based out of Vancouver. McCarthy Tétrault employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Salary range (Vancouver Only): $55,000 - $80,000 annually.

As a Legal Assistant, Intellectual Property, you will be responsible for:

Documents

• Drafting and preparing correspondence, including standard letters and memos, working with Word and Excel templates.
• Editing, formatting, printing, and revising letters, memos, reports, forms, labels and other printed material from dictation or other instructions.
• Filing patent, trademark, industrial design, and copyright applications with Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) via fax, courier, and CIPO online tools, including generation of cover letters, and fax cover sheets.
• Filing patent and trademark applications with United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) using USPTO online tools.
• Filing Madrid trademark applications with World Intellectual Property (WIPO) using WIPO online tools.
• Liaising with foreign agents to file patent and trademark applications in other countries.
• Weekly monitoring of Trademarks Journal for advertisement of applications and generation of reporting correspondence.

File and Time Management

• Managing PATTSY database. Ensuring data is entered, maintained, and required follow–up dates are noted. Entering new applications, new deadlines from incoming trademark correspondence and opposition matters, generating client specific reports, and generating bi-monthly trademark and opposition deadline reports.
• Managing physical and electronic files for the IP group. Ensuring they are current with all relevant documentation. Bringing forward and pulling files as necessary for Lawyers/Agent attention.
• Requisitioning new files, maintaining a record of all client files, related records and general files.
• Maintaining BF system.
• E-filing of emails.

Administrative Functions

• Performing Clarivate and CIPO searches and formatting search results as requested.
• Coordinating client meetings, arranging for catering or audio-visual equipment as needed. Organizing equipment and other materials for on-site and off-site presentations.
• Opening and routing incoming mail/distributing correspondence and other material to the appropriate party.
• Working in a team environment which includes supporting other legal assistants and other legal staff on the Intellectual Property team.
• Performing other duties as required.

As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Legal Assistant Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Legal Assistant in an Intellectual Property group.
• Strong Patent and Trademark experience is required.
• Strong attention to detail as it relates to drafting of correspondence, and proofreading.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong time management and the ability to prioritize your work to meet important deadlines.
• Energetic, proactive approach, and willingness to take charge to manage work with effectiveness and efficiency.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to visualize and deliver creative solutions.

As a member of the McCarthy team, you will have access to:

• Outstanding benefits from day one, including insurance premiums paid by the Firm and wellness and technology reimbursements.
• Competitive compensation, paid overtime and generous time off, including a day off to volunteer and a day off for your birthday.
• A commitment to professional development and growth opportunities for our people at all levels, supported by a culture that fully embraces and encourages two-way feedback.
• Strong community involvement and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A collaborative, cohesive culture that connects lawyers and business teams through collective purpose.

We thank all applicants for their interest in McCarthy Tétrault; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about application status. McCarthy Tétrault is an equal opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Legal

Industries

Law Practice