Patent Prosecution Specialist

Alston & Bird; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Alston & Bird LLP is seeking a Patent Prosecution Assistant to support attorneys, patent agents, and specialists through the prosecution lifecycle. The role emphasizes meticulous filing, document handling, and client reporting for domestic and international patent matters.

The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of legal assistant experience in patent prosecution, with strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to excellent client service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably supporting patent prosecution attorneys or patent agents.
• Prior experience in a law firm or intellectual property practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, proofread, and process patent prosecution correspondence and related documentation.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of U.S. patent applications and related prosecution documents through the USPTO Patent Center.
• Prepare and submit forms and supporting documents related to powers of attorney, assignments, declarations, and other prosecution filings.
• Coordinate execution of patent-related documents by inventors, clients, and attorneys.
• Review incoming PTO communications and distribute materials to attorneys, patent agents, docketing personnel, and clients as appropriate.
• Maintain and update prosecution records in firm and client systems.
• Open new matters and assist with matter maintenance activities.
• Prepare client reports, status updates, and prosecution summaries as requested.
• Monitor client-specific requirements and filing procedures.
• Maintain electronic matter files and ensure records are complete and current.
• Respond to client inquiries regarding administrative aspects of patent matters.
• Review upcoming deadlines and coordinate attorney responses.
• Assist in identifying and resolving scheduling or workflow issues that could impact filings.
• Monitor patent office correspondence and ensure prompt routing of time-sensitive matters.
• Draft routine correspondence and client communications.
• Assist with billing-related activities, including time entry review, matter maintenance, and client-specific billing requirements.
• Coordinate meetings, inventor interviews, and client calls as needed.
• Support special projects, reporting initiatives, and process improvement efforts within the patent practice.

Skills

Patent prosecution knowledge

Docketing systems

MS Office

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Docketing software

Patent management software

MS Office

Job description

Alston & Bird LLP is seeking a Patent Prosecution Assistant to support attorneys, patent agents, and specialists through the prosecution lifecycle. The role emphasizes meticulous filing, document handling, and client reporting for domestic and international patent matters.

The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of legal assistant experience in patent prosecution, with strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to excellent client service.