Legal Assistant - Patents

McCarthy Tétrault; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium insurance

Wellness reimbursements

Tech reimbursements

Mental health support

Virtual healthcare

Professional development

Volunteer day off

Birthday day off

Job summary

McCarthy Tétrault LLP, MT Services in Vancouver, seeks a Legal Assistant – Patents to support the Intellectual Property team in Canada. This full-time permanent role handles CIPO, USPTO, and WIPO filings, docket management, and client communications for patents and trademarks.

The successful candidate will have 5+ years IP experience, an appropriate IP or legal assistant diploma, strong discretion, and excellent communication. The firm offers comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience as a Legal Assistant in Intellectual Property.
• In-depth knowledge of patents and trademarks including Canada, the US and Europe.
• Diploma or certificate in office or business administration or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file patent/trademark/copyright applications with CIPO, USPTO and WIPO.
• Manage IP docket and deadlines for lawyers on the team.
• Liaise with foreign agents for filings and correspondence.
• Draft client and correspondence letters using Word/Excel templates.
• Provide administrative support to the IP Practice and Senior Partner.

Skills

IP knowledge

Discretion

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Legal Assistant diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

MT Services is the administrative arm of McCarthy Tétrault LLP. We are currently looking for a Legal Assistant – Patents to support the McCarthy’s Intellectual Property team in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a full-time permanent position, where the language of operation for the office is English.

Location: 745 Thurlow St Suite 2400, V6E 0C5, Vancouver, BC

Documents

• Preparing and 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.
• Preparing and filing patent and trademark applications with United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) using USPTO online tools.
• Preparing and filing PCT patent and Madrid trademark applications with World Intellectual Property (WIPO) using WIPO online tools.
• Providing comprehensive support throughout the intellectual property prosecution lifecycle, including assisting with the preparation and filing of responses, amendments, examination requests, and other prosecution related documentation.
• Managing the docket for the Partner, including overseeing and reviewing deadlines for other lawyers on the team on behalf of the practice, to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Liaising with foreign agents to file patent and trademark applications, responses, amendments, examination requests, and other prosecution related documentation in other countries, especially the United States and Europe.
• Drafting and preparing correspondence for clients, foreign agents and intellectual property offices, including emails, standard letters and memos, working with Word and Excel templates.

File and Time Management

• Managing PATTSY database, ensuring data is entered, maintained, and required follow–up dates are noted.
• Managing electronic files for the IP group and 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 to support effective deadline management.
• Providing general administrative and practice support to the Senior Partner, including assisting with the coordination, preparation, and management of matters in support of the practice.
• Managing the docket for the Senior Partner, including overseeing and reviewing deadlines for other lawyers on the team on behalf of the practice, to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Processing and tracking invoices, assisting with supplier setup, and liaising with the billing team on invoice related matters
• Supporting the training of team members on IP practice procedures, internal systems and workflows.
• Liaising with patent and trademark offices regarding filings, official correspondence, and procedural matters.

As our ideal candidate, you will distinguish yourself by the following profile:

• Minimum 5 years experience as a Legal Assistant in Intellectual Property. In-depth knowledge of both patents and trademarks required – preferably within Canada, the United States and Europe
• Legal Assistant diploma or college certificate in office or business administration or equivalent.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality and capacity to handle extremely sensitive information.
• Exceptional communication (written/spoken) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide excellent and timely service to clients and colleagues by understanding their needs and using available resources.
• Ability to work effectively with others by being flexible, respectful, communicating clearly, and proactively sharing knowledge and offering assistance.
• Demonstrates relevant expertise, critical thinking skills and initiative to consistently deliver quality work.
• Walks the talk, respects individual differences, and supports the Firm’s interests.

Salary and benefits

The salary for this role is CAD$72,000 – 80,000, and as a member of the McCarthy Tétrault team, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive rewards package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Outstanding benefits from day one, including insurance premiums paid by the Firm and wellness and technology reimbursements.
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including access to Dialogue for confidential mental health support, virtual healthcare assistance, and proactive wellness resources for you.
• Competitive compensation, paid overtime and generous time off, including a day off to volunteer and a day off for your birthday.
• Commitment to learning and growth, with ongoing professional development opportunities for people at all levels.
• Strong community involvement and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A supportive, collaborative culture that values contribution, accountability and shared success across legal and business teams.