Patent Paralegal

Stoel Rives LLP has an immediate opening for a Patent Paralegal in any of our Boise, Minneapolis, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or Seattle offices. This position assists attorneys in the delivery of legal services to the firm’s clients and works under the direction of the firm’s lawyers and, in many instances, directly with clients. Responsibilities for client work are directed by an attorney. Our patent paralegals are a key part of our professional client teams and this position allows a candidate to assume significant responsibility and offers opportunities for professional growth. They are also the first contact point for many of our clients.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong analytical and organizational skills. Must have the ability to work without direct supervision, think creatively and possess excellent client service orientation with the ability to handle multiple demands/priorities on multiple projects and timely deliver complete work product according to those deadlines. Must also possess the ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment with good problem-solving skills and have the ability to be flexible and adapt. Must be responsive and maintain a professional manner and demeanor. Must have the ability to resolve problems with a variety of people (including attorneys, staff, and possibly clients) and possess the ability to make sound decisions and show initiative. 

Patent Administration: The TIP Paralegal will receive assignments directly from the practitioners in the TIP department for the following tasks:

• Billable tasks relating to U.S. patent applications, International (PCT) patent applications, and foreign national patent applications; including but not limited to: application filings, formal documents for new applications and follow-on submissions, and communication with foreign associates.

• Handle post-registration changes in patent properties, such as certificates of correction for U.S. patents, drafting reassignments, security interest agreements, and release of interest agreements for U.S. patents and patent applications.

• Maintain, revise and update patent forms and reports. 

• Prepare and send basic client correspondence, informing clients of the status of their patents and applications as determined by practice group policy. 

• Prepare and send basic foreign associate correspondence, re deadlines, formal documents, and prosecution inquiries.

• Review docketing data and approve all docketed deadlines.

• Assist with investigation, research, searches of U.S. and foreign patent records, and Internet searches; review documents, and summarize findings as directed.

• Handle new client file intakes, and new counsel transfers.

• Prepare cost estimates for filing foreign patent applications and PCT national phase applications utilizing specialized software tool

Docket Software Responsibilities

• Learn the patent and trademark docket software program and assist practitioners in the use of the docket system. Work with docketing staff to prepare patent property reports and activity reports as directed.

Document Organization

• Maintain organization of patent files; 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, 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 on a day to day basis.

 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, data bases, patent and trademark filing programs (USPTO e-filing, e-PCT, PCT-Safe), online services (e.g., USPTO, Patbase, TurboPatent), 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. 
 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High school degree required; college degree preferred. Must have paralegal certificate and at least 3 years’ relevant experience in patent prosecution.
 

NORMAL WORK HOURS

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

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

The pay range for this position is $53,000 - $117,000; 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. 

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting and retaining lawyers and business professionals with different backgrounds and life experiences. This makes us better and happier as people, as an organization, and as legal advisers. We are proud to offer many engagement opportunities including a firmwide DE&I Committee, Associates Committee, Pro Bono Committee, Affinity Groups, and Parenting Circle.

We proudly partner with Diversity Lab to implement innovative programs to advance Stoel Rives’ DE&I goals, including the aggressive metrics-based goals we’ve adopted as one of five founding Move the Needle firms. Our efforts with Diversity Lab include certification under the Mansfield Rule, to boost the representation of diverse lawyers in our firm’s leadership by broadening the pool of candidates considered for opportunities. Additional information on these programs, can be found here.