Legal Assistant

Hovey Williams LLP; Overland Park (KS); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) employer contribution

Health Savings Account

Paid time off

Hybrid work environment

Life insurance and disability

Job summary

Hovey Williams LLP, a boutique IP law firm in Overland Park, Kansas, is seeking a Patent and Trademark Legal Assistant to support patent and trademark matters. The role involves handling filings, docketing, communications with clients, and coordination with attorneys and foreign associates.

The ideal candidate is organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced legal environment, with hybrid work arrangements and comprehensive benefits."

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and track US and foreign patent and trademark applications.
• Monitor and manage deadlines, docketing, and prosecution status.
• Draft routine correspondence and reports to clients regarding status and actions taken.
• Assist with responses to USPTO and foreign offices and coordinate with foreign associates.
• Maintain and update patent and trademark records and databases.
• Support portfolio management, including searches and clearance checks.
• Handle client communications and follow up on information and filings.
• Assist with billing, recordkeeping, and administrative support as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Deadline management

Written and verbal communication

Team collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Docketing software

Job description

Job Title: Patent and Trademark Legal Assistant

Location: Overland Park, Kansas (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are a boutique IP firm seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Patent and Trademark Legal Assistant to support our patent and trademark practices. This position plays a key role in managing U.S. and international patent and trademark portfolios and working closely with attorneys, clients, and foreign associates at all stages of the patent and trademark lifecycles, from initial filing through grant, registration, and maintenance.The ideal candidate is organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable handling multiple matters in a fast-paced legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and track U.S. and foreign patent and trademark applications, renewals, assignments, and related documents
• Monitor and manage patent and trademark deadlines, docketing, and prosecution status
• Draft routine correspondence and reports to clients regarding application status, office actions, and other official communications
• Assist with responses to USPTO and foreign patent office and trademark office actions, and coordinate with foreign associates
• Maintain and update patent and trademark records and databases
• Support attorneys with patent and trademark portfolio management, including patentability and registrability searches and clearance searches
• Handle client communications and follow up on required information and filings
• Assist with billing, recordkeeping, and other administrative support as needed

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Software Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a patent or trademark legal assistant or IP paralegal (experience with both is a plus)
• Familiarity with USPTO filings (Patent Center and TEAS) and patent and trademark prosecution procedures
• Familiarity with practice management software and legal docketing software.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Health Savings/Flexible Spending Accounts available.
• Paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Hybrid work environment.
• Congenial, affable, and supportive team atmosphere.