Patent Paralegal (Denver, CO) (#5027)

Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorsey & Whitney LLP seeks a Patent Paralegal for our Denver office. You will manage US and foreign patent dockets, ensure deadlines are met, prepare correspondence, and support a fast-paced environment.

The role is hybrid, requiring on-site work in Denver. 2–5 years of relevant experience and strong communication are essential as you coordinate with attorneys and clients on patent portfolios.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal program completion; familiarity with Intellectual Property.
• 2–5 years of related experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication; analytical ability; able to set priorities.

Responsibilities

• Draft correspondence to clients regarding US/intl patent prosecution events.
• Communicate with clients on routine or procedural patent events.
• Manage US/intl patent portfolios; review files and deadlines.

Skills

Communication

Analytical ability

Prioritization

Client portfolio management

Independent judgement

Patent process knowledge

Docketing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or paralegal program

Tools

Foundation IP

Job description

We are seeking a Patent Paralegal in our Denver office. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and managing U.S. and foreign patent prosecution dockets, including responsibility for ensuring deadlines are met, original correspondence is drafted, and tasks are completed. Do you have strong communication and organizational skills and enjoy managing work distribution and tracking workflows? If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a strong client service focus, then we would appreciate hearing from you. This is a hybrid position that will require working on-site in our Denver office.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting correspondence to clients regarding U.S. and international patent prosecution events.
• Under the guidance of attorneys, communicate directly with clients regarding routine or procedural patent prosecution events.
• Assist attorneys in management of U.S. and international patent portfolios, including reviewing and maintaining accuracy of patent files, understanding docket and deadlines, and action needed on each file.
• Draft various patent prosecution documents related to new applications, formalities, examination, patent appeals and post-allowance actions for attorney review and file under attorney direction with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Communicate attorney instructions to local counsel regarding international patent matters and preparation and assembly of ancillary documentation.
• Create, monitor, and maintain U.S. information disclosure statement database in the IP docket management system.
• Assist with patent due diligence projects.
• Navigate the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online system for application status updates and downloading of documents.
• Conduct substantial country law requirements research, including documentation and filing requirements, and present for attorney action.
• Apply competent knowledge of patent legal procedures, terminology, and activities to paralegal tasks.
• Perform and delegate other tasks as necessary or as directed.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor’s degree or completion of a paralegal program or equivalent experience and familiarity with Intellectual Property.
• At least 2-5 years of related experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated analytical ability; ability to set priorities; knowledge of ethical boundaries of position and when to consult with attorney; responsible; resourceful; professional.
• Ability to manage client portfolio work distribution, track workflow, and report on client portfolio milestones.
• Ability to proactively problem solve and exercise independent judgement and decision-making skills.
• Competent understanding and knowledge of the patent process, docketing, and filing responsibilities.
• Competent knowledge of, and exposure to, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online databases including the electronic filing system.
• Competent knowledge of, and exposure to, international patent online databases.
• Competent knowledge of, and exposure to, docketing databases; Foundation IP is preferred.
• Competent in conducting online searches in databases.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in office 50% of the work week, increasing to at least 80% of the work week (at least four days per work week) starting January 4, 2027.

About Dorsey

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across a diverse range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.

Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender.

Dorsey's benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution; basic and optional life insurance; short and long-term disability; paid time off; up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth; paid holidays; paid volunteer day; discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible); adoption assistance; healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts; back-up child and elder care program; education and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

• Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
• Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
• 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
• Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
• Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Reasonable Accommodations

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.

Office Location

Denver, CO

Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

The pay range for this position in Colorado only is $29.53 to $46.40 per hour.

Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through October 2, 2026.