IP Paralegal Assistant

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. We are specifically seeking a candidate looking to build a long-term career within our IP practice group. Our team values stability, continuity of client relationships, and deep institutional knowledge — we are not looking to fill a transitional role. Ideal candidates are those who want to grow their expertise over years, take on increasing responsibility, and become a trusted, embedded member of a close-knit practice group.

If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our IP Paralegal Assistant position. This position is open in our Milwaukee, WI office. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The IP Paralegal Assistant is responsible for assisting attorneys and paralegals with a full range of Patent and Trademark matters for a busy IP practice.  This includes assisting with preparation, docketing, electronic filing, portfolio management, and registration and maintenance of Patent applications.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Under the guidance of the IP Paralegal, assist in the following Patent & Trademark matters:

• Research and compilation of information pertaining to national and international intellectual property rights.
• Preparation of status summary reports for attorneys and clients.
• Coordination of international filings with foreign law offices and/or other foreign entities.
• Maintenance of docket system of due dates for actions, including responses, renewals, oppositions, Section 8 and 15 affidavits, use affidavits, Patent Cooperation Treaty requirements, and payments of patent annuities in foreign countries.
• Perform document management duties as needed, including: photocopying, filing, scanning and courier delivery services.
• Perform data entry of matter information into applicable software.
• Maintain familiarity with Patent & Trademark concepts, practices and procedures.
• Familiarity and experience with adopting legal AI and ability to learn and implement new AI preferred.
• Expected to meet annual targeted billable hours of 1000.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to deliver superior service to all internal and external customers and communicate effectively.
• Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients and employees at all times; professional appearance required.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands.
• Ability to exercise good judgment at all times by making sound and practical decisions; ability to assume responsibility for decisions and act decisively under deadlines.
• High level of professional integrity required; ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust.
• Ability to lead and motivate the work of others; when applicable, ability to successfully manage direct report(s).
• High level of organization and attention to detail, particularly with deadline-sensitive work.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fully remote environment.

POSITION-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• One year of patent experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Experience with electronic court filings.
• Ability to prioritize workflow and manage time.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  Please reach out to our HR team to request an accommodation.

 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. 

Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.

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