Paralegal

We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth-minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future.

We invite you to explore the position below and to submit your application to join our team!

The Patent Paralegal supports the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group by overseeing patent prosecution processes for both U.S. and international patents. This includes ensuring prompt and precise communication with clients, foreign agents, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The paralegal is responsible for preparing and filing patent applications, maintaining patent records, and monitoring deadlines. There is a requirement to bill 1,500 hours annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Prepare documents for USPTO patent filings.

• Draft routine reporting letters to send to clients and foreign associates.

• Create inventor formality documents for signature, to be submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

• Respond to client instructions, including confirming and drafting responses to inquiries related to US, PCT, and foreign applications.

• Utilize electronic resources from the USPTO and other government agencies.

• Monitor and manage deadlines for the US and foreign docket, ensuring timely follow-up with attorneys, clients, and management.

• Collaborate with the IP docket department to clear daily docket reports according to firm guidelines.

• Review client information to ensure compliance with special client instructions and procedures.

• Maintain spreadsheets related to portfolio management for specific clients.

• Develop and update worksheets to assist attorneys in managing client needs.

• Stay informed on rules, regulations, and procedures for filing domestic and international applications, working closely with attorneys.

• Collaborate with the IP Services Assistant team when necessary.

• Complete checklists, such as filing or Issue Fee checklists.

• Save documents and correspondence in iManage, the firm’s document management system.

• Prioritize daily tasks and communicate if unable to meet deadlines.

• Provide back-up support to team members.

• Track and record client-billable time to meet billable requirement.

• Ensure adherence to policies and procedures in daily duties, including client-specific instructions and firm guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in USPTO procedures and best practices.

• Familiarity with U.S. and international patent law, including PCT matters.

• Knowledgeable about Patent Center, the USPTO’s electronic filing and management system.

• Strong organizational and administrative skills, ensuring efficient management of tasks and responsibilities.

• Proactive approach, with a keen ability to anticipate the needs of attorneys.

• Ability to work under pressure and maintain strong attention to detail while producing a high volume of accurate work.

• Ability to compose, proofread, and edit correspondence, ensuring accuracy in punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

• Ability to identify and analyze complex issues, recommending and implementing effective solutions.

• Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing, with diverse groups of clients, attorneys, and staff.

• Demonstrates ability to effectively and professionally provide quality client service to both internal and external clients.

• Ability to understand specific client’s needs to provide support and to ensure high-quality and accurate work products.

• Ability to search various websites to locate information for client communication or maintain accurate information in the firm’s software applications associated with Intellectual Property.

• Ability to manage and work independently in both hybrid and in-office settings.

• Ability to accept changing assignments and priorities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or any combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive patent prosecution experience.

The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid-19. 

This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job.  The statements contained in the position description are not necessarily all-inclusive and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs.

This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

By applying for this position, you agree and understand that Troutman Pepper Locke will process your Personal Information pursuant to the terms of our Worker and Applicant Global Privacy Notice. If you have questions about our data handling practices, or you are a resident of California, the United Kingdom, or the European Union and wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at privacy@troutman.com. 

Equal Employment Opportunity
Troutman Pepper Locke adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions, which include hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, evaluation, compensation and separation, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status and any other classification as protected by law.

Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, education, training, and/or experience.