Patent Paralegal (IDS/Formalities)

Fish & Richardson P.C.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus opportunities

Medical & dental coverage

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement & profit sharing

Job summary

Fish & Richardson, the premier global intellectual property law firm, seeks a Patent Paralegal (IDS/Formalities) in San Diego to support information disclosure statements, formal documents, and responses to office actions.

The role includes docket management, careful time entry to achieve 1300 billable hours annually, and collaboration with a team. Training and in-office collaboration are expected a minimum of 3 days per month.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate from ABA recognized program or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Accurately prepare, obtain, and file IDS, formalities, and office action responses.
• Maintain and manage a prosecution docket and follow up on due dates and deadlines.
• Enter time into the firm's timekeeping system to meet the 1300 hours/year billable goal.

Skills

Paralegal experience

U.S./foreign prosecution knowledge

Timekeeping & billing

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Docket management

Job description

Fish & Richardson, the premier global intellectual property law firm, is trusted by the world's most innovative and influential companies. Fish was established in 1878, and now has more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S., Europe, and China. Our success is rooted in our creative and inclusive culture, which values the diversity of people, experiences, and perspectives. Join Fish's team in our fast-paced Practice Systems Department as a Patent Paralegal (IDS/Formalities).

How Will You Make a Difference?

• Accurately prepare, obtain, and file documents related to information disclosure statements, formalities, and responses to office actions.
• Maintain and manage a prosecution docket and follow up on items to ensure due dates and
• deadlines are met.
• Account for all hours worked on a daily basis by entering time into the firm's timekeeping system in order to achieve the billable goal as established by practice management.

What Will You Bring to the Table?

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA (American Bar Association) recognized program or equivalent experience in legal support.
• Minimum 6 months experience as a Patent Paralegal with U.S. and/or foreign prosecution knowledge, or equivalent legal support experience, is preferred.
• Preparation and filing of information disclosure statements and formal documents experience (i.e., assignments, declarations, office action shells, etc.) is preferred.
• Ability to meet the firm's billing requirement of 1300 hours per year.
• Willingness to assist other team members when needed and ability to work well within a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in the office as needed for training and collaboration, for a minimum of 3 days per month.

Why Fish?

When You Join Our Team, We Offer

• Competitive pay and discretionary bonus opportunities along with a rich benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement
• Award-winning retirement and profit sharing plans with employer contribution
• A family-friendly atmosphere with back-up child care, as well as health and wellness initiatives
• A positive culture ranked as one of the best in the country in Vault's 2026 law firm survey
• The salary range for this position varies by geographic market. Final compensation will be based on a variety of factors including education, experience, skills, professional background, overall qualifications, and location.
• In New York and Silicon Valley, the estimated pay range is $32.41 - $46.70 per hour (based on a 35-hour workweek), which is equivalent to $59,000 - $85,000 annually.
• In Washington, D.C., the estimated pay range is $30.25 - $43.58 per hour (based on a 37.5-hour workweek), which is equivalent to $59,000 - $85,000 annually.
• In Boston and San Diego, the estimated pay range is $31.31 - $43.40 per hour (based on a 35-hour workweek), which is equivalent to $57,000 - $79,000 annually.
• In Minneapolis and Chicago, the estimated pay range is $28.20 - $37.94 per hour (based on a 37.5-hour workweek), which is equivalent to $55,000 - $74,000 annually.

Our Commitment to Diversity

As a firm that serves the world's greatest visionaries, we know that creativity and innovation are the result of seeing the world from multiple different perspectives. Having a diverse team enhances the quality of legal services we provide to our clients, sustains our standing as a premier IP law firm, and strengthens the fabric of our firm.