U.S. Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a skilled Legal Assistant experienced in patent prosecution support. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

In this hybrid position, the Legal Assistant will engage with patent attorneys and manage various legal tasks while working collaboratively and independently. The salary for this role ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 2-7 years of patent prosecution and/or Intellectual Property support experience.
• Ability to independently manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Team player capable of working effectively with all staff levels.

Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of USPTO rules, procedures, and client guidelines.
• Manage deadlines related to patent applications and correspondence.
• Prepare checklists, documents, and USPTO forms as needed.
• Review and report correspondence from the USPTO to clients.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good judgment skills

Excellent written communication

Excellent verbal communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

What do we need? We are looking for a Legal Assistant who is experienced with providing patent prosecution support to attorneys, patent agents, and other timekeepers. U.S. Patent Prosecution Legal Assistants at our firm have a high attention to detail, are able to work well in a deadline-driven and fast-paced environment, and possess good judgment skills to handle a variety of legal tasks. Legal Assistants are expected to work independently on prosecution matters, while also working collaboratively with timekeepers and others supporting prosecution matters. This position is hybrid from the D.C. area with some in-office presence as needed.

How will you make an impact?

• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of USPTO rules, firm procedures and policies, and established client guidelines to determine necessary action to be taken in patent applications in response to docketed deadlines and incoming correspondence
• Managing a docket of deadlines related to patent application filing, prosecution, issuance, post-grant and maintenance (including maintaining a personal docket, monitoring the firm’s daily docket and reviewing incoming correspondence for assigned cases)
• Preparing checklists, formal documents, cover letters, USPTO forms, Section 18 letters, and information disclosure statements
• Reviewing and reporting to the client all correspondence received from the USPTO

What will you bring to the role?

• 2-7 years of patent prosecution and/or Intellectual Property support experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• A team player capable of working effectively with all levels of staff
• Ability to independently manage your own workload to meet department deadlines and perform job duties efficiently and productively under pressure
• Taking ownership of assigned matters
• Exercise initiative and good judgment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide good customer service to clients and timekeepers
• Flexibility to work overtime on an as-needed basis

The good faith base salary range for this position is $60,000 to $80,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.