Intellectual Property (Patent) Legal Administrative Assistant

Description

We have an immediate opening in our Milwaukee office for a legal administrative assistant to work in our Intellectual Property Department. You will support a team whose focus is on Patents but an amount is also allocated to Trademarks. This is a rare opportunity for the well-qualified candidate. You will join an award-winning department with a sophisticated practice. Their philosophy involves a synergistic approach to intellectual property protection and intangible asset management.

Responsibilities Vary But Include

• Prepare draft client correspondence, agreements and pleadings.
• Prepare reporting letters to clients and foreign associates for incoming/outgoing actions.
• Research and review files, databases and other resources to obtain information.
• Enter timekeepers' time entries and assist with identifying billable matters.
• Proofread for spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Review docket and other communications and organize deadlines.
• Effectively prioritize daily workload based on available time and deadlines.
• Assist timekeepers with managing priorities, deadlines and docket.
• Organize and maintain files and assist timekeepers with organizing projects.
• Assist accounting department with payment of foreign associate invoices and client collections.
• Take an interest in client matters and gain background knowledge about clients and their businesses.
• Take a lead on preparing letters, responses and other administrative duties.
• Serve as administrative assistant backup for other assigned timekeepers as needed.
• Perform Internet research.
• When requested, monitor timekeepers' e-mail, regular mail and/or voicemail. Arrange for appropriate responses. Report responses/status of items to timekeepers.
• Analyze and identify resources to increase efficiency and add value to services we provide.
  
  

Requirements

This position requires a top-quality professional with superior administrative skills. A bachelors' degree is preferred. Experience in all phases of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution including a thorough knowledge of the U.S. PTO procedure requirements, time lines, rules and practice along with a general understanding of patent docketing procedures is highly desirable.

Other Required Qualifications Include

• Excellent written, oral and e-mail communication skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and make practical decisions.
• Must be self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Must take initiative and be comfortable working in a deadline driven environment.
• Ability to prioritize and handle/complete multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Outstanding customer service/interpersonal skills.
• Strong technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
• Solid proofreading skills.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, vocabulary and language skills.
• Efficient, flexible and patient.
• Ability to display complete discretion and tactfulness with confidential information.
  
  

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to frequently use a keyboard, calculator, and telephone. Frequent sitting, walking, talking, hearing, and occasionally stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift (20 lbs.), and an ability to adjust vision for close vision work. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable law.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact Human Resources at [email protected] if you need a reasonable accommodation or other assistance to participate in any aspect of the application process.