Patent Specialist/Practice Assistant (Legal Assistant/Secretary) na Stoel

Stoel Rives LLP has an immediate opening for a Patent Specialist/Practice Assistant in our Seattle office. This position assists the Supervising Partners, attorneys, patent agents and TIP paralegals (“practitioners”) of the TIP group. This position reports to the Practice Assistant Supervisor and receives daily assignments from the practitioners in the TIP group.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      Patent Administration: Receives assignments directly from the practitioners in the TIP department for the following tasks:

Billable tasks relating to one or more of: Timely report outs US Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) to clients as instructed. Prepare and send client correspondence, including letters informing clients of the status of their applications, communications seeking instruction regarding foreign and domestic matters, including maintenance fees and annuities.

Maintain, revise and update internal patent and trademark docket forms and reports. 

Prepare and send foreign associate correspondence, regarding deadlines, formal documents, and prosecution inquiries.

Provide and maintain electronic and paper files.

Prepare patent property reports and docket reports for delivery to clients.

Handle new client file intakes, and new counsel transfers.

Enter references and office actions in Foundation IP (FIP) to ensure proper Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) filing.

Process all incoming USPTO fees, client invoices, and attorney/paralegal expenses.

Maintain and update attorney/paralegal calendars.

Project coordination for team meetings and team outings.

2.      Docket Software Responsibilities

Learn and maintain complete knowledge of the patent and trademark docket software program, train staff, and assist practitioners in the use of the docket system and maintain updated procedures requested by practitioners regarding implementation of firm docketing policies.

3.      Document Organization

Photocopy, file, and search files for documents; prepare, index, and review documents for delivery, storage and destruction.

Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES

Must possess the following capabilities: strong oral and written communication skills, ability to learn, attention to detail, initiative, adaptability, dependability, flexibility, client service and teamwork orientation, ability to focus attention for long periods of time, and work without direct supervision in a fast-paced environment.  Must feel comfortable with, and have the ability and interest in, delivering an accurate, high-stakes performance daily.

Technical/Professional Knowledge

Must have strong aptitude for computer software application programs and be able to learn quickly or have working knowledge of applicable software programs for carrying out patent prosecution duties, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, patent and trademark filing programs (USPTO e-filing, e-PCT, PCT-Safe),  online services (e.g., USPTO, Patbase, Espacenet), records management systems, and docketing programs (currently, we utilize Foundation IP docketing software), in a Windows-based environment.  Must be capable of using the firm’s timekeeping system to capture time for all billable tasks and to record disbursements, in a competent and timely manner to ensure proper billing for all billable tasks. Must be capable of operating a personal computer, printer, photocopier, e-fax, telephone, and other regular office equipment. 

Physical and Mental Capabilities

            Must be able to stand, sit, and enter computer data for long periods of time.   Must be able to bend, reach, lift, and carry pouches containing multiple files or large reference books during a workday.  Must have a high level of concentration and attention to detail and have adequate addition and subtraction skills with a keen mathematical sense of numbers.  Must be capable of reading and interpreting information in printed, handwritten or computer form, instructions, legal correspondence, memoranda, forms, documents, reference publications, or reference books.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High school degree required; college degree preferred.  Must have paralegal certificate in appropriate jurisdiction and at least 3-5 years’ relevant experience.

NORMAL WORK HOURS

This is a hybrid position, non-exempt, and eligible for overtime compensation. Regular office hours are 8:30 - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How You Will Live Life Well at Stoel Rives: Compensation, Benefits, and More!

The pay range for this position is $59,000 - $98,000; however, the base compensation presented to a candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience. This salary range is based on market location.

In addition to base compensation, Stoel Rives has a total rewards program that includes an annual discretionary bonus and rich benefits offerings. For example, our benefits offerings include paid family & medical leave, competitive PTO, and remote work options. We offer competitive and robust medical, dental, vision, life long-term disability, AD&D, EAP, FSA and Voluntary Life, ADD, and LTC options. We also provide a generous firm-contributed health savings account, a pre-tax transportation/parking plan including an employer monthly subsidy of $100 for individuals who work 3+ days/week in the office, and an annual contribution into the employee’s retirement plan.

No recruiters please.