IP Legal Assistant

Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch LLP; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Disability coverage

Job summary

Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP, an internationally recognized IP law firm in Vienna, VA, seeks an IP Legal Assistant to support attorneys with patent prosecution and related matters.

You will handle drafting, filing, correspondence, and docket management while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional communication with clients and foreign associates.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma.
• Experience with IP administration including filing, reissues, and docketing.
• Proficiency with USPTO resources and IP portfolio management tools.
• Strong MS Office skills and familiarity with billing systems.

Responsibilities

• Create, revise and file US patent applications and related documents.
• Draft and prepare documentation for patent prosecution and litigation matters.
• Prepare Information Disclosure Statements and maintain prior art databases.
• Prepare and edit client and attorney correspondence and billing proformas.
• Manage attorney calendars and docketing, and coordinate with staff.

Skills

IP law knowledge

Legal admin

Communication skills

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

MS Office 2016

MS Outlook

MS Word

Billing software

EFS/EPAS

Job description

Job Location: 2600 Park Tower Drive Ste 600 - Vienna, VA 22180

Position Type: Full Time

Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP, an internationally recognized intellectual property law firm located in Vienna, VA, has an exciting opportunity for a qualified IP Legal Assistant to provide full administrative support to firm attorneys.

The IP Legal Assistant possesses a comprehensive understanding of US Patent prosecution.

This is a nonexempt position, and it reports to the firm’s IP Manager.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of an IP law firm; ability to problem solve; knowledge of IP departmental policies and procedures
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within and outside of the department; prepare effective correspondence and reports; and communicate effectively verbally and in sensitive interpersonal situations
• Service oriented individual with enthusiasm for the challenges of providing complex services in a law firm setting
• Detail oriented individual possessing organizational skills
• Analytical and problem solving skills are essential
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to initiate and manage projects from inception through completion
• Ability to work independently and mentor staff and effectively interact in a collaborative work environment
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment
• Ability to fully adhere to firm confidentiality standards

Responsibilities and Duties

Administrative

• Create, revise and file provisional, non-provisional and continuing US Patent Applications, including reissue applications, and PPH applications in the US Patent and Trademark Office
• Draft and prepare documentation associated with US Patent and Trademark prosecution/litigation matters and/or filings
• Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements and maintain integrity of the Firm’s prior art database
• Draft, prepare and proofread written correspondence, memoranda and/or other documentation for attorneys, but not limited to: internal personnel, clients, Foreign Associates and/or Assignees and monitor incoming correspondence
• Prepare, review and edit billing proformas and invoices
• Manage, maintain and ensure accurate clearing of individual dockets and dockets of established attorney(s)/agent(s)
• Manage and maintain the attorney/agent calendar
• Screen and direct incoming telephone calls and/or voice messages
• Copy, scan and save all communications in the appropriate document management system
• Assist with coverage of attorneys/agents as needed and requested by the IP Legal Assistant Manager

Customer Service and Communications

• Maintains positive communication with internal and external clients such as Foreign Associates, Assignees and/or Contacts via oral and/or written correspondence
• Receives clients and/or visitors
• Develops and maintains positive client relations

Training, Mentoring, Quality Review

• Utilize and provide feedback for documented guidelines, processes and procedures
• Provide input on workflows and templates
• Conduct quality review (EFS and e-mail)
• Attend meetings and training sessions as determined by IP Manager

• Other duties as assigned

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance. Paid time off and paid holidays. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Opportunity to work remotely.

About BSKB:

Since 1976, BSKB has been providing a full range of intellectual property law services to clients in the areas of patent prosecution, post-grant review, litigation, opinions and counseling, design patents, trademarks and licensing. Our knowledgeable attorneys and agents hold advanced degrees and are experienced in the fields of chemistry, electronics and IT, mechanical engineering and life sciences/biotechnology.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma
• Knowledge of and experience with administrative issues related to an Intellectual Property environment such as, filing applications, reissue applications, formalities, responses, drafting amendments, and monitoring docketing deadlines
• Knowledge of and proficiency in using the Electronic Filing System (EFS) and Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS)
• Knowledge of and experience with USPTO resources, for example Patent Center, and other related programs
• Experience using MS Office 2016 including MS Outlook, MS Word, etc.
• Knowledge of and experience with Elite or other similar billing systems
• Experience with mainstream IP Portfolio Management software such as Patricia or other similar Docketing software

Strongly Preferred:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree
• Paralegal Certificate
• Experience as an IP Legal Assistant
• Minimum of three years comprehensive US Patent prosecution experience is preferred