IP Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Greenberg Traurig, LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Health insurance with HSA

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Dental insurance

Vision care

Life insurance

401K

Vacation and sick time

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is seeking a Paralegal for its IP Patent Prosecution Team in Chicago or Dallas on a hybrid schedule. The role focuses on managing U.S. patent prosecution tasks, coordinating deadlines, and supporting attorneys with docketing, office actions, and client communications.

The ideal candidate will have a law firm background, a relevant paralegal certificate, and a strong client-service orientation. Flexibility to work overtime and collaborate across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• ABA-certified paralegal certificate; notary a plus.
• Law firm or legal environment experience preferred; trademark experience a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, initiative, and time/deadline management.
• Excellent communication and client service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Manage US patent docketing and processes for multiple IP attorneys.
• Prepare client formalities (Declarations, Assignments & Power of Attorney).
• File Provisional, U.S. Utility, Continuation, Divisional, Design and 371 national stage applications; follow up on office actions and USPTO fees.
• Perform assignments searches/recordings and chain of title reviews.
• Docket management and calendaring; meet deadlines and communicate with clients.
• Draft Office Action Responses and assist with portfolio transfers.
• Provide client management via portals and reporting; maintain client status charts.
• Calculate Patent Term Adjustments and process issue fees.
• Assist with cross-department activities and adhere to firm policies.

Skills

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree

ABA-certified paralegal certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

AI tools (Copilot/ChatGPT)

Job description

Greenberg Traurig (GT), a global law firm with locations across the world in 15 countries, has an exciting employment opportunity for you. We offer competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package, along with the opportunity to work in an innovative and collaborative environment.

Join our IP Patent Prosecution Team as a Paralegal located in our Chicago or Dallas office.

We are seeking a highly skilled professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate possesses strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in every task. With a dedicated work ethic and a can-do attitude, you will take initiative and approach challenges with confidence and resilience. Excellent communication skills are essential for collaborating effectively across teams and delivering exceptional client service. If you are someone who demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and innovation, we invite you to join our team.

This role will be based in our Chicago or Dallas office, on a hybrid basis. Regular in‑office presence is required for day-to-day operations, as well as for team meetings, training opportunities, and relationship building.

Position Summary

The IP Patent Paralegal will provide organizational and practice specific assistance to attorneys in the Department in managing U.S. patent prosecution including related research, analysis, docketing and eFiling. The ability to take ownership of projects, strong organization skills and attention to detail are essential. This candidate must be able to multi‑task and prioritize as well as have a strong client service orientation. This role requires working collaboratively in a team environment as well as working independently. Candidates should also be flexible to work overtime as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages and organizes U.S. patent docket and processes for multiple IP attorneys
• Prepares client formalities for execution (Declarations, Assignments & Power of Attorney)
• Files Provisional, U.S. Utility, Continuation, Divisional, Design & 371 national stage applications, reissue applications, and follow‑up on patent prosecution submission requirements, such as response to office actions & issue fee payments with the USPTO, including formalities and Information disclosure statement with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Performs Assignment searches, Assignment recordings, and chain of title reviews
• Docket management and calendaring, requiring significant awareness of and sensitivity to time management and filing deadlines
• Manages and updates files with USPTO Pair database and prepare responses as needed
• Drafts templates for Office Action Responses
• Provides client management support by maintaining client portals, updating client status charts, running various client docket reports for portfolio analysis, and communication with clients regarding upcoming U.S. patent deadlines and requests for instructions and formalities reminders
• Calculates Patent Term Adjustments and processes payment of Issue Fees
• Reviews files and prepares of Information Disclosure Statements and accompanying documents
• Effects portfolio transfers and manages multi‑client portfolios
• Files and assists in prosecution of design applications
• Proofs and edits patent applications and office actions and prepares office actions
• Meets all ethical and professional requirements of the firm and keeps up to date on all learning and development requirements at the firm
• Meets internal and external deadlines, and successful time management, including during periods of prolonged intense work during and after regular office hours
• Fulfills firm administrative responsibilities, including, but not limited to, timekeeping and billing requirements
• Assists with other department activities as needed, adheres to firm policies, and performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Candidate must have strong problem-solving skills, able to take initiative and use good judgment, with excellent follow‑up skills.
• Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the organization and collaborate well in a team.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written), professional demeanor and presentation.
• Position requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines, effectively prioritize multiple tasks.
• High attention to detail, outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
• Provide outstanding client service, meet high quality standards for services and meet or exceed client expectations. Proactive in seeking innovative ways in which to help others.
• Recognize confidential, sensitive, and proprietary information and maintain such information as confidential.
• Candidate must be a self‑starter who can work independently with minimal supervision.

Education & Prior Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution preferred.
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA certified paralegal program and notary a plus.
• Working knowledge or experience in a law firm or legal environment is helpful. Trademark experience is a plus.

Technology

• Proficiency with Windows-based software and Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required.
• Exceptional computer skills with the ability to learn new software applications quickly.
• Understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and responsible use in a professional environment.
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, firm‑approved AI tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar platforms) to support daily workflow and/or improve work quality.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to move from workstation or desk throughout the work area to work independently or with a team to meet with colleagues or supervisor and retrieve work assignments.
• This position may also be sedentary and require the employee to sit for extended periods of time.
• Requires manual dexterity to use a phone, enter data into a computer, handle objects, and use office equipment.

The expected pay range for this position is:$50.94 to $60.59 per hourActual pay will be adjusted based on experience, location, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. Full time employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, health insurance with an optional HSA, short term disability, long term disability, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K, vacation, sick time, and an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary programs include: voluntary accident insurance, voluntary life, voluntary disability, voluntary critical illness and cancer insurance and pet insurance. Commuter and Transit programs may also be available in certain markets.

GT is an EEO employer with an inclusive workplace committed to merit‑based consideration and review without regard to an individual’s race, sex, or other protected characteristics and to the principles of non‑discrimination on any protected basis.