Patent Prosecution Assistant – Life Sciences IP

Sheppard; Del Mar (CA); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Sheppard Mullin, Richter & Hampton is seeking a proactive Patent Legal Assistant to support life sciences and healthcare IP lawyers, patent agents, and paralegals in all aspects of patent prosecution. The role requires knowledge of U.S. prosecution rules and will involve working across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of recent U.S. patent prosecution experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency with IP software.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of recent U.S. patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Proficient working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with submitting conflict checks and opening new matters, including preparation of engagement letters and management of client and case documents.
• Review and organize documents, files, and emails and ensure they are properly filed in First-to-File and NetDocs, according to the Firm’s filing protocols.
• Assist with maintaining client’s ShareFile spaces.
• Maintain working knowledge of client guidelines, procedures, and preferences.
• Research across patent databases such as USPTO, WIPO, Espacenet, and other foreign patent offices.
• Prepare new application papers such as Application Data Sheets.
• Prepare and send formal documents to inventors for signature, ensure timely receipt of signed documents, record and file formal documents with the USPTO.
• Assist with drafting reporting letters for USPTO mail.
• File US Powers of Attorney for transferred-in files and assist with transfer-in tasks related to new clients.
• Research case files, both US and foreign.
• Assist with running reports from firm’s docketing program.
• Assist with client projects.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Deadline management

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Some college or Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Tools

USPTO Patent Center

First-to-File

NetDocs

ShareFile

Job description

Sheppard Mullin, Richter & Hampton is seeking a proactive Patent Legal Assistant to support life sciences and healthcare IP lawyers, patent agents, and paralegals in all aspects of patent prosecution. The role requires knowledge of U.S. prosecution rules and will involve working across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of recent U.S. patent prosecution experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency with IP software.