Hybrid Patent Prosecution Support Specialist

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP in Boston is seeking an Intellectual Property Services Assistant (IPSA) to support the Health Care Life Sciences Practice Group. The role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple matters under established policies.

The IPSA assists attorneys and paralegals with patent prosecution tasks, docket management, and client communications, while maintaining accuracy in iManage and MS Office workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or combination of experience, education or training that demonstrates ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Four (4) or more years of experience in a patent prosecution support role in a legal or professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file patent application documents, transmittal cover sheets, assignments, declarations, Powers of Attorney, and other documents with the USPTO.
• Handle varying formalities and procedures of domestic and foreign patent offices with minimal supervision.
• Assemble and submit IDS; manage IDS reference lists across multiple patent families and jurisdictions.
• Draft prosecution documents for paralegal and/or attorney review prior to submission.
• Complete internal and/or client checklists as required.
• Independently manage day-to-day upkeep of an assigned client portfolio with minimal paralegal oversight.
• Assist paralegal with monitoring and managing U.S. and foreign docket deadlines.
• Collaborate with the IP docket department to clear daily reports per firm guidelines.
• Prioritize daily tasks and communicate promptly if deadlines cannot be met.
• Serve as primary contact for routine correspondence with clients and foreign associates on U.S., PCT, and foreign application matters.
• Communicate with clients/foreign associates without requiring attorney or paralegal review/sign-off.
• Review client information to ensure compliance with special instructions and procedures.
• Save all documents and correspondence in iManage in a timely manner.
• Maintain and update spreadsheets and worksheets for portfolio and client management.
• Research materials relevant to patent prosecution and review correspondence from patent offices.
• Stay current on rules, regulations, and procedures for domestic and international filings.
• Utilize USPTO and other government resources effectively.
• Track and record billable and non-billable time per firm policy.
• Provide backup support to team members and collaborate across paralegal, attorney, and practice groups.

Skills

USPTO procedures

Patent Center

Legal patent process

Communication skills

Organization

Independence

Microsoft Office

Docket management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

iManage

MS Office Suite

Job description

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP in Boston is seeking an Intellectual Property Services Assistant (IPSA) to support the Health Care Life Sciences Practice Group. The role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple matters under established policies.

The IPSA assists attorneys and paralegals with patent prosecution tasks, docket management, and client communications, while maintaining accuracy in iManage and MS Office workflows.