Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Ashurst Perkins Coie; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 76,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k) plan

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid time off (20 days)

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie is seeking a Patent Prosecution Paralegal to support our patent prosecution team with legal operations, document and information management, and technology initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include preparing filings with USPTO and international offices, coordinating domestic and foreign prosecution activities, maintaining dockets, and communicating with clients. A Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in patent prosecution are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five-plus years of patent prosecution experience.
• Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and writing skills.
• Experience with USPTO Patent Center and ePCT; managing portfolios and IDS submissions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and file U.S. patent applications and related documents with USPTO, WIPO, and foreign jurisdictions.
• Coordinate domestic and foreign prosecution activities and monitor deadlines.
• Maintain patent dockets and accurate records with internal teams and external counsel.
• Review patent office correspondence and communicate with clients on filings and deadlines.
• Support transitions and maintain databases (iManage, FIP) and participate in technology projects.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Document management

Client communication

MS Office

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

USPTO Patent Center

ePCT

iManage

FIP

Job description

Drive Legal Operations Excellence.

Job Description

Patent Prosecution Paralegal

At Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP, our people are our greatest asset. We’re looking for a detail-oriented, highly organized legal professional to support our Patent Prosecution Team with legal operations, document and information management, compliance processes, and technology initiatives. The role of Patent Prosecution Paralegal is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage sensitive information with discretion, and enjoys coordinating multiple priorities and projects.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, review, and file U.S. patent applications, international PCT applications, and patent prosecution documents with the USPTO, WIPO, and foreign jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable rules and deadlines. Prosecution documents include, but are not limited to, office action responses, information disclosure statements, notices, formal documents, and other prosecution-related filings.
• Coordinate domestic and foreign patent prosecution activities, including preparing filing instructions, communicating with foreign associates, monitoring national phase deadlines, and maintaining prosecution records.
• Monitor and maintain patent dockets, track deadlines, and coordinate with attorneys, clients, foreign counsel, vendors, and internal docketing teams to ensure timely action and accurate recordkeeping.
• Review and report patent office correspondence.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding filings, official communications, deadlines, instructions, signatures, annuity and maintenance matters, and other patent prosecution activities.
• Support internal departments with attorney departures, including transition documentation, client matter coordination, file review, and communication with attorneys.
• Maintain legal databases and documentation, including but not limited to iManage and FIP.
• Participate in legal technology projects, testing, implementation initiatives, portfolio management projects, and process improvement efforts while maintaining organized and accurate records.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and five-plus years of patent prosecution experience.
• Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and writing skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience with USPTO Patent Center and ePCT; experience managing patent portfolios, preparing and filing IDS submissions, and coordinating with foreign associates.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, and document management systems.
• Ability to build effective relationships with attorneys, staff, and other professionals while working independently under supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with legal operations, compliance processes, document management, or legal technology projects.

Why Join Ashurst Perkins Coie?

Join a collaborative legal team where your organizational skills, attention to detail, and legal expertise will directly support the firm’s attorneys and business operations. This role offers the opportunity to work across legal operations, compliance, technology, and administrative initiatives while contributing to a high-performing and supportive team environment.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following locations. The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

• Colorado compensation range: $67,240 to $134,480 annually
• Washington state compensation range: $70,930 to $141,860 annually
• Washington, D.C. compensation range: $76,600 to $153,210 annually