Paralegal (Patent Prosecution)

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP in Houston, TX, seeks a Paralegal for the Health Care Life Sciences Practice Group to support complex patent prosecution and global filings. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of patent prosecution experience, with strong docketing, confidentiality, and collaboration across attorneys and staff in a hybrid work setting.

Responsibilities include preparing and filing patent applications, managing IDS and assignments, and maintaining meticulous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; or equivalent combination of training/education/experience.
• Eight or more years of progressive patent prosecution experience.
• Working knowledge of sequence listings highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure policies and procedures are followed for assigned duties.
• Monitor deadlines on US and international dockets; coordinate with attorneys/clients.
• Review daily docket reports and coordinate with IP docket department.
• Prepare and file patent applications, pre-grant filings, and related filings.
• Efficiently manage IDS data and file with USPTO.
• Prepare and manage recordations of assignments and name changes.
• Apply CFR and MPEP knowledge in daily work.
• Review USPTO/foreign correspondence promptly.
• Receive client instructions and respond to inquiries on US/PCT/foreign filings.
• Use USPTO and related government portals effectively.
• Create and maintain worksheets for attorneys.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Docket management

US/International patent law

Client communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

8+ years patent prosecution experience

Tools

MS Office Suite

Docketing software

USPTO/filing portals

Job description

We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth-minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future.

The Paralegal is a member of the Health Care Life Sciences (HCLS) Practice Group and is assigned to specific matters, clients, projects and attorney teams. The Paralegal assists the practice group to function in a consistent productive manner; is responsive and ensures all day-to-day responsibilities are met under established policies and procedures while exercising discretion and confidentiality in maintaining contact with clients, attorneys, and staff.

There is an annual billing component to this role of 1,500 hours.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Ensure policies and procedures are being followed on a day-to-day basis in relation to assigned duties, including client special instructions and in accordance with established firm guidelines.
• Monitor deadlines associated with the US and international dockets, including providing follow-up with attorneys, clients, and management in order to provide adequate time to respond.
• Review daily docket reports in accordance with established firm guidelines and correspond with the IP docket department regarding same.
• Prepare and file patent applications, pre-grant filings and other associated filings with the USPTO and PCT under attorney supervision.
• Efficiently manage Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) data; prepare and file IDS with the USPTO under attorney supervision.
• Prepare and manage the recordation of assignments and name changes in the US and internationally.
• Working knowledge and effective application of CFR and MPEP is required.
• Review and report USPTO and foreign correspondence in a timely manner.
• Receive and act upon client instructions, including confirmation and/or draft response to client inquiries related to US, PCT and foreign applications.
• Utilize USPTO and other related government agency electronic resources effectively.
• Create and maintain electronic worksheets to assist attorneys in managing client requirements as needed.
• Maintain the firm’s official file utilizing the document management system.
• Track and record billable and non-billable time per firm policy.
• Responsible for maintaining and prioritizing work on a daily basis and communicating if unable to meet daily responsibilities.
• Demonstrate good teamwork skills within and among practice groups, offices, and firm to facilitate efficient delivery of legal services.
• May participate in the training and professional development of other paralegals in routine practice elements.
• Willingness and flexibility to work closely with all attorneys and staff as needed.
• Provide back-up support to other team members as needed.
• Manage workflow and effectively communicate with assigned team.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proficiency with US, PCT and international patent law.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys and staff and provide information with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to manage and work independently in a hybrid, and in-office setting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with teams to promote consistent and efficient workflow processes.
• Ability to work under pressure while producing a high volume of information with attention to detail while producing an accurate work product.
• Willingness and ability to accept changing assignments and priorities.
• Ability to compose, proofread and edit (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling) routine memorandums and correspondence.
• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and problems and to recommend and implement solutions.
• Strong working knowledge to utilize various online electronic filings with government agencies and to maintain worksheets for clients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote).
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to search various websites to locate information in order to communicate with clients or maintain accurate information in the firm’s various software applications associated with IP.
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external clients effectively and professionally.

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required; or any combination of specialized training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Minimum eight (8) years of progressive patent prosecution experience, including docket management, application filings and prosecution to gain an understanding to provide support and planning that will ensure a high quality and accurate work product.
• Working knowledge of sequence listings highly preferred.

The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid-19.

This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. The statements contained in the position description are not necessarily all-inclusive and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs.

This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

By applying for this position, you agree and understand that Troutman Pepper Locke will process your Personal Information pursuant to the terms of our Worker and Applicant Global Privacy Notice. If you have questions about our data handling practices, or you are a resident of California, the United Kingdom, or the European Union and wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Troutman Pepper Locke adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions, which include hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, evaluation, compensation and separation, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status and any other classification as protected by law.

Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, market, education, training, and/or experience.

Hiring Salary Range

$85,000.00 - $125,000.00