Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP, an internationally recognized intellectual property law firm located in Vienna, VA, has an exciting opportunity for a qualified IP Legal Assistant to provide full administrative support to firm attorneys. The IP Legal Assistant possesses a comprehensive understanding of US Patent prosecution. This is a nonexempt position, and it reports to the firm’s IP Manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of an IP law firm; ability to problem solve; knowledge of IP departmental policies and procedures
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within and outside of the department; prepare effective correspondence and reports; and communicate effectively verbally and in sensitive interpersonal situations
- Service oriented individual with enthusiasm for the challenges of providing complex services in a law firm setting
- Detail oriented individual possessing organizational skills
- Analytical and problem solving skills are essential
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to initiate and manage projects from inception through completion
- Ability to work independently and mentor staff and effectively interact in a collaborative work environment
- Ability to multitask and work in a fast paced environment
- Ability to fully adhere to firm confidentiality standards
Responsibilities and Duties
- Administrative
- Create, revise and file provisional, non-provisional and continuing US Patent Applications, including reissue applications, and PPH applications in the US Patent and Trademark Office
- Draft and prepare documentation associated with US Patent and Trademark prosecution/litigation matters and/or filings
- Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements and maintain integrity of the Firm’s prior art database
- Draft, prepare and proofread written correspondence, memoranda and/or other documentation for attorneys, but not limited to: internal personnel, clients, Foreign Associates and/or Assignees and monitor incoming correspondence
- Prepare, review and edit billing proformas and invoices
- Manage, maintain and ensure accurate clearing of individual dockets and dockets of established attorney(s)/agent(s)
- Manage and maintain the attorney/agent calendar
- Screen and direct incoming telephone calls and/or voice messages
- Copy, scan and save all communications in the appropriate document management system
- Assist with coverage of attorneys/agents as needed and requested by the IP Legal Assistant Manager
- Customer Service and Communications
- Maintains positive communication with internal and external clients such as Foreign Associates, Assignees and/or Contacts via oral and/or written correspondence
- Receives clients and/or visitors
- Develops and maintains positive client relations
- Training, Mentoring, Quality Review
- Utilize and provide feedback for documented guidelines, processes and procedures
- Provide input on workflows and templates
- Conduct quality review (EFS and e-mail)
- Attend meetings and training sessions as determined by IP Manager
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance. Paid time off and paid holidays. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Opportunity to work remotely.
About BSKB:
Since 1976, BSKB has been providing a full range of intellectual property law services to clients in the areas of patent prosecution, post-grant review, litigation, opinions and counseling, design patents, trademarks and licensing. Our knowledgeable attorneys and agents hold advanced degrees and are experienced in the fields of chemistry, electronics and IT, mechanical engineering and life sciences/biotechnology.
Qualifications
- Minimum high school diploma
- Knowledge of and experience with administrative issues related to an Intellectual Property environment such as, filing applications, reissue applications, formalities, responses, drafting amendments, and monitoring docketing deadlines
- Knowledge of and proficiency in using the Electronic Filing System (EFS) and Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS)
- Knowledge of and experience with USPTO resources, for example Patent Center, and other related programs
- Experience using MS Office 2016 including MS Outlook, MS Word, etc.
- Knowledge of and experience with Elite or other similar billing systems
- Experience with mainstream IP Portfolio Management software such as Patricia or other similar Docketing software
Strongly Preferred:
- Associate or Bachelor’s Degree
- Paralegal Certificate
- Experience as an IP Legal Assistant
- Minimum of three years comprehensive US Patent prosecution experience is preferred
Skills Required
- Minimum high school diploma
- Knowledge of and experience with administrative issues in an intellectual property environment, including filing applications, reissue applications, formalities, responses, drafting amendments, and monitoring docketing deadlines
- Knowledge of and proficiency in the Electronic Filing System and Electronic Patent Assignment System
- Knowledge of and experience with USPTO resources, including Patent Center and related programs
- Experience using Microsoft Office 2016, including Outlook and Word
- Knowledge of and experience with Elite or a similar billing system
- Experience using IP portfolio management software such as Patricia or similar docketing software
- Associate or bachelor's degree
- Paralegal certificate
- Experience as an IP Legal Assistant
- Minimum three years of comprehensive U.S. patent prosecution experience
What We Do
Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP (BSKB) is an internationally recognized intellectual property law firm committed to obtaining and enforcing IP rights. Since 1976, the firm has provided a full range of services, including patent prosecution, post-grant proceedings, litigation, and licensing. Their knowledgeable attorneys and agents hold advanced degrees in chemistry, electronics and IT, mechanical engineering, and life sciences/biotechnology.
