Patent Paralegal I

Finnegan; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Finnegan in Boston, MA seeks a Patent Paralegal I to support attorneys and legal staff with basic document preparation, proofreading, and routine legal research. The role offers two shifts (9:00–17:00 or 11:00–19:00) with potential flexibility for the later shift.

You will handle court filings, document editing, client billing, travel coordination, and calendar management, while engaging in ongoing training to advance to more substantive responsibilities within the IP practice area.

Qualifications

• Prior paralegal or legal assistant experience preferred; familiarity with IP law helpful.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication; professional collaboration with attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of court filings, pleadings, memoranda and other legal documents.
• Edit, proofread, and redline documents for accuracy and formatting.
• Prepare client bills and related forms, manage expenses and invoices.
• Coordinate travel, meetings, videoconferences, and conference room logistics.
• Open new client matters and maintain attorney contacts and calendars.
• Input and review attorney time entries and generate reports.
• Ensure timely and accurate client communications and file organization.
• Support attorneys with docket monitoring and deadline preparation; cross-training in IP areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Oral and written communication

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

About Us

Finnegan is more than just a law firm – we are a powerhouse of innovation and strategy growth. We pride ourselves on providing top-tier intellectual property services globally. Our success is rooted in our emphasis on relationships with our clients and each other. We care about every individual, and it is why many professionals have spent their entire careers at Finnegan.

Role Overview

The Patent Paralegal I will be responsible for assisting attorneys, secretaries, and other legal staff with preparation of basic legal documents, proofreading and editing documents, performing routine legal research, general administrative assignments, and participating in training and developmental opportunities to assume more substantive legal secretarial assignments. This position offers two shift options: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Candidates applying for the later shift may be eligible for additional scheduling flexibility based on business needs and manager approval.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of court filings and organization of pleadings, memoranda, discovery and other legal documents
• Prepare, edit, proofread, and redline documents and correspondence for accuracy, grammar, and formatting
• Prepare client bills and related forms and arrange for expense advancement, reimbursement, and invoice payments
• Coordinate travel and meeting logistics, including scheduling, arranging videoconferences, conferences calls, and conference rooms; requesting equipment and food and beverage orders; preparing presentation materials
• Open new client matters
• Organize and maintain attorney contacts and calendars
• Input, review, edit, and update attorney time entries and print reports
• Ensure all client communications are relayed accurately and timely
• Organize and maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with Firm records retention policies
• Completes training to assist attorneys with monitoring docket and prepare for deadlines
• Completes core training/cross-training, skills assessments, and related development in all IP secretarial support areas, including litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, as assigned
• Significant progression of responsibilities and assignments should be assumed within the first year of hire
• Embraces new processes and incorporates new technology to meet client demands as they evolve
• Attends and actively participates in all secretarial and team meetings
• May be required to provide backup for reception
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity or willingness to learn databases; familiarity with the Internet/Intranet and using the internet for research
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks
• Excellent oral and written communication (including spelling and grammar) and interpersonal skills are required
• Flexible attitude and the ability to deal well with changing assignments and priorities and rapid, yet variable, pace of work
• Willingness to learn and acquire advanced duties and provide support to varied team members

Location & Working Hours

The role can be based out of all our Boston, MA office and requires a hybrid/onsite work schedule.

Pay & Benefits

The base annual pay range for this role is between $32.43 - $35.14 per hour; roughly $60,000 - $65,000 equivalent. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, location and will also take into account internal equity. A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered.

Job Statement

Join Finnegan where your organizations skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask will drive success of one of the world’s leading IP law firms.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Finnegan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment, as defined by applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

For candidates needing reasonable accommodations or assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at 202.216.5400.

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