Legal Instruments Examiner

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is seeking a Legal Instrument Examiner to support examination of patent applications in a federal environment.

The role requires analyzing legal documents for completeness and regulatory compliance, and guiding applicants, attorneys, patent examiners, and the public. The position emphasizes clear oral and written communication and attention to policy requirements, with volunteer experience accepted as qualifying experience.

Qualifications

• One full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06 in the Federal service.
• Experience analyzing legal documents for completeness and regulatory compliance.
• Experience communicating information orally and in writing, and providing guidance to applicants, attorneys, patent examiners, and the public.
• Volunteer work can count toward qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Communicate information orally and in writing; prepare notices and correspondence.
• Analyze legal documents for completeness and compliance with regulations.
• Provide guidance to applicants, attorneys, patent examiners, and the public.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Legal document analysis

Policy guidance

Job description

Imagine starting your career as a Legal Instrument Examiner working in an office that is on the cutting edge of planning, developing, implementing and evaluating all initiatives needed to support the examination of patent applications throughout the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This position is waiting for you to bring your technical expertise to our agency.

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Clerical and Administrative Positions.
Specialized Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Communicating information both orally and in writing while preparing notices and correspondence on applicable rules, legal requirements, and policies.
• Analyzing legal documents for completeness of information and compliance with regulations and procedures.
• Providing guidance to applicants, attorneys, patent examiners, and the public regarding applicable rules, legal requirements, policies, and procedures.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.