Intellectual Property Paralegal

Beacon Hill; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid leave

Job summary

Beacon Hill in Chicago is seeking an Intellectual Property Paralegal to join a growing team supporting a patent and trademark prosecution-focused practice. The role is full-time with a 35-hour work week, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and a hybrid schedule with one in-office day per week for experienced paralegals.

Ideal candidates have IP prosecution experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and familiarity with USPTO filing systems.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting patent and/or trademark prosecution matters.
• Knowledge of USPTO rules, procedures, and electronic filing systems.
• Experience monitoring deadlines and managing IP docketing responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications, renewals, declarations of use, and related USPTO filings.
• Assist attorneys with U.S. and foreign patent prosecution matters.
• Monitor trademark and patent deadlines and maintain docket accuracy.
• Coordinate with foreign associates regarding international filings.
• Prepare trademark status reports, portfolio summaries, and client updates.
• Manage IP docketing processes and oversee outside docketing service providers.
• Monitor renewals, annuities, and maintenance fees; liaise with attorneys, clients, and vendors.
• Communicate with clients regarding filing requirements and portfolio matters.

Skills

IP docketing

Patent prosecution

Trademark prosecution

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

IP docketing software

USPTO filing systems

Job description

A well-respected Chicago law firm is seeking an Intellectual Property Paralegal to join their growing team. This is a full-time position supporting a close-knit Intellectual Property practice focused on patent and trademark prosecution matters.

The role follows a 35-hour work week, with a schedule of 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. The position offers a hybrid schedule with one in-office day per week for experienced paralegals, along with strong work-life balance and overtime eligibility. The salary range for this position is 110k-115k, depending on experience.

This is a high-priority search due to a long-tenured team member departing after 12 years with the firm. The ideal candidate will be able to start quickly and assist with a smooth transition. The firm is open to candidates with foundational intellectual property prosecution experience, including those currently working as legal assistants, legal secretaries, or paralegals. Experience with patent and/or trademark prosecution is required.

Job Duties:

• Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications, renewals, declarations of use, and related USPTO filings
• Assist attorneys with U.S. and foreign patent prosecution matters
• Monitor trademark and patent deadlines and maintain docket accuracy
• Coordinate with foreign associates regarding international trademark and patent filings
• Prepare trademark status reports, portfolio summaries, and client updates
• Manage IP docketing processes and oversee outside docketing service providers
• Monitor renewals, annuities, and maintenance fees while coordinating with attorneys, clients, and vendors
• Communicate directly with clients regarding filing requirements, deadlines, and portfolio matters
• Maintain IP prosecution records, databases, and supporting documentation
• Support attorneys with special projects, portfolio reviews, and administrative initiatives

Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting patent prosecution and/or trademark prosecution matters
• Working knowledge of USPTO rules, procedures, and electronic filing systems
• Experience monitoring deadlines and managing IP-related docketing responsibilities
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with IP docketing software is preferred
• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate preferred
• Experience with both patent and trademark prosecution is a plus

Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Beacon Hill is an equal opportunity employer and individuals with disabilities and/or protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

California residents: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Benefits Information:

• Beacon Hill offers a robust benefit package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and federal and state leave programs as required by applicable agency regulations to those that meet eligibility. Upon successfully being hired, details will be provided related to our benefit offerings.