Intellectual Property Legal Assistant

DNA Partners; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DNA Partners in Washington, DC seeks an IP Legal Assistant to support patent and trademark prosecution, delivering high-level clerical and project support to attorneys and clients in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 5+ years of administrative experience in professional services and 3+ years supporting patent prosecution, with strong IP process knowledge and advanced MS Office skills; Excel is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of administrative experience within a professional services environment.
• 3+ years of experience supporting patent prosecution.
• Strong knowledge of IP processes and legal document preparation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office; Excel skills are a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and client service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and practice support to patent and/or trademark attorneys.
• Draft, revise, and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and filings.
• Manage time entry, billing, expense reporting, and foreign associate invoices.
• Maintain calendars, track deadlines, coordinate travel, and schedule meetings.
• Organize and maintain electronic and physical files (iManage, Outlook, FileTrail).
• Process conflict checks, prepare engagement letters, and open new client matters.
• Support patent prosecution activities, including USPTO filings, docket tracking, and client communications.
• Assist with trademark docketing, reporting, invoicing, and quality control processes.
• Ensure timely completion of work through effective prioritization and deadline management.
• Collaborate with colleagues and provide cross-team support as needed.

Skills

Administrative experience

Patent prosecution support

IP processes knowledge

MS Office proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion

Client service

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

A globally recognized, award-winning law firm is seeking an IP Legal Assistant to join its Washington, DC office.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented IP professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering high-level support to attorneys and clients. The IP Legal Assistant will play a key role in supporting both patent and trademark prosecution, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional client service.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide comprehensive administrative and practice support to patent and/or trademark attorneys
• Draft, revise, and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and filings
• Manage time entry, billing, expense reporting, and foreign associate invoices
• Maintain calendars, track deadlines, coordinate travel, and schedule meetings
• Organize and maintain electronic and physical files (iManage, Outlook, FileTrail)
• Process conflict checks, prepare engagement letters, and open new client matters
• Support patent prosecution activities, including USPTO filings, docket tracking, and client communications
• Assist with trademark docketing, reporting, invoicing, and quality control processes
• Ensure timely completion of work through effective prioritization and deadline management
• Collaborate with colleagues and provide cross-team support as needed

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of administrative experience within a professional services environment
• 3+ years of experience supporting patent prosecutioni
• Strong knowledge of IP processes and legal document preparation
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office; Excel skills are a plus
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and client service orientation