US Patent Prosecution Assistant

Austin Community College; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Flexible reimbursement account

Job summary

ArentFox Schiff is seeking a U.S. Patent Prosecution Assistant in Washington, DC. This entry-level position offers hybrid work and requires a minimum four-year degree. Responsibilities include providing patent prosecution support and managing administrative tasks for clients.

The anticipated salary range is $48,000 to $72,000 annually, with benefits including medical, dental, and paid time off. Join a firm that values diversity and equality in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Strong sense of accountability and ownership.
• Respect for client confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide patent prosecution administrative support.
• Prepare and submit documents to the USPTO.
• Coordinate with clients on various billing needs.

Skills

Detail orientation

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Technical aptitude

Education

Minimum four-year college degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

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ArentFox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, ArentFox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start‑ups, international governments, non‑profits and trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

At ArentFox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all of our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

Job Description

This position is based in our Washington, DC office and operates on a hybrid schedule.

JOB SUMMARY

The U.S. Patent Prosecution Assistant will, with minimal guidance, perform specialized work by providing patent prosecution administrative support to assigned clients. A key component of the position is to provide support for portfolio management, review and report U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) correspondence to client; prepare and submit papers to the USPTO, engage timekeepers and clients with status updates, manage departmental deadlines and personal docket, and monitor workflow for assigned clients. In addition, the U.S. Patent Prosecution Assistant will ensure compliance with policies and procedures implemented by the client and Firm and support the IP Department to ensure client service and satisfaction is achieved throughout all assigned responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtain client matter numbers.
• Enter time for Attorney’s when obtaining new client matter numbers.
• Schedule new application disclosure and allowance meetings between the clients and inventors.
• Draft and file US FFL requests as needed.
• Coordinate directly with the client regarding client reference numbers, various billing needs, etc.
• Coordinate with inventors during provisional application conversions.
• Maintain personal database of new cases to ensure timely action, follow-up and workflow efficiency
• Assist with the US Patent Prosecution Assistant role, reporting formal documents, filing receipts, notices of recordation, letter patents, and issue notifications and notices of publication.
• Prepare and electronically file documents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (hereinafter “USPTO”).
• If applicable, enter time for tasks completed.
• Review and process foreign invoices, prior to forwarding to accounting.
• Assist with additional duties and projects assigned by Firm timekeepers and management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to meet or exceed departmental quality and quantity standards per the Patent Prosecution Department Operational Guidelines.
• Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership over projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines, including demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects with often competing deadlines.
• Proven problem‑solving skills and good judgment under pressure.
• Ability to resolve issues and concerns proactively, constructively, directly and respectfully.
• Ability to assess risk management issues and understanding when to seek appropriate assistance.
• Respect for confidentiality of client information.
• Ability to accurately interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form; to synthesize complex and diverse information.
• Meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, staff and timekeepers is essential.
• Strong technical aptitude and understanding, including ability to quickly learn new software applications.
• Proficient in software applications related to functions of position, including Word and Outlook; basic knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint preferred; some knowledge of docketing database preferred.

Education

• Minimum four‑year college degree. Related work experience may be used in lieu of formal education.

Experience

• This is an entry‑level job and no experience is required.
• Chinese proficiency is a plus.

Benefits and Salary

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life. That’s why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit‑sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well‑being, in your own way.

This is an hourly, non‑exempt position that is eligible for a generous overtime plan that exceeds minimum legal requirements.

The anticipated good‑faith base salary range for this position is:

• DC: $48,000 to $72,000 per year.

Your exact offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, your experience, skills, and overall qualifications. We also review compensation regularly against industry benchmarks and performance outcomes, so you can grow your career here with confidence—knowing your pay recognizes both your impact and our commitment to an equitable approach.

In addition to a competitive base salary, certain positions are eligible for a comprehensive performance‑based bonus, payable monthly or annually.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We base all employment decisions on merit and maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following table indicates the degree of working conditions expected for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these requirements.

N/A = 0‑10%, Occasionally = 11‑33%, Frequently = 34‑66%, Constantly = 67‑100%

Requirement - Frequency

• Travel - Occasionally
• Sitting - Constantly
• Standing - Occasionally
• Walking - Frequently
• Reading - Constantly
• Typing - Frequently
• Concentration - Frequently
• Oral and Written Communication - Frequently
• Horizontal Reaching - N/A
• Twisting - Occasionally
• Repetitive Arm/Hand/Finger Movements - Frequently