IP Trademark Legal Assistant

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Outstanding benefits

Learning & Growth opportunities

Perks that inspire downtime

Job summary

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Chicago, Milwaukee, or Waukesha offices. The role supports timekeepers in the Intellectual Property practice, with emphasis on Trademark work and IP attorney support.

Candidates will manage calendars, handle document preparation, billing communications, and timekeeping, while working closely with a team across multiple locations in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• IP: 5+ years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in the IP practice areas.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel for attorneys.
• Process new client/matter documentation including conflict checks and engagement letters.
• Prepare and format confidential correspondence; transcribe, edit, and finalize legal documents and memos.
• Docket maintenance and tracking of reports with IP software.
• Enter time into time management software for timekeepers.
• Communicate with clients regarding billing issues and matter status.
• Assist with continuing legal education tracking for assigned staff.
• Support civic, charitable, and professional activities as workload permits.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate Degree preferred

IP experience

Tools

Anaqua

iManage

DocuSign

iTimekeep

Chrome River

CourtAlert

NAD filings

Job description

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is looking for a proactive and highly organizedLegal Assistantto join ourChicago, Milwaukee, or Waukesha office! The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group. Prior experience as an IP legal assistant with an emphasis in the Trademark practice and experience supporting IP attorneys is required.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel on behalf ofattorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters toclients
• Prepare and format confidentialcorrespondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, TTAB filings, andreports
• Organize and maintain electronicfiles
• Respond to and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely andprofessional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software,Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf oftimekeepers
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Assist in tracking continuing legal education credit for assigned legalstaff
• Assist with civic, charitable, community, and professional activities, as workloadpermits
• Docket maintenance and tracking of reports with IP software.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree stronglypreferred
• IP: 5+ years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in the Intellectual Property practiceareas
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days perweek
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practicegroups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, andin-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention to detail, and ability to spot inaccuraciesand inconsistencies in documents
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
• Technology literacy and willingness to learn innovative technologies andsoftware
• Advanced proficiency in MicrosoftOffice
  • Experience in the following software aplus:
  • Anaqua or similar electronic IP docketing/reportingsoftware
  • iManage or similar electronic document managementsystem
  • DocuSign or similar e-signatureprogram
  • iTimekeep or similar electronic time managementsystem
  • Chrome River or similar expense report and reimbursementsoftware
  • CourtAlert for TTABtracking
  • NAD filings
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firmevolve
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure with varyingdeadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within ateam
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up
• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performinggroup
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of theFirm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in our team environment, across various groups and/or locations

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal andexternal clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiateactions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate goodjudgment
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

This position can be based in our Chicago, Milwaukee, or Waukesha office. We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients.

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Why You Should Apply

Learning & Growth

Total Compensation

Planning for the Future

Culture & Workplace

Learning & Growth

We are committed to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. It's why we invest in and provide the following resources and guidance to help you grow your career with confidence.

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at [phone] or [e-mail] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.