Legal Assistant - Intellectual Property

Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith P.C. is seeking applications for a full-time Intellectual Property Legal Assistant to work out of our Lansing office. This position will primarily support a patent/trademark practice and assist in the Business & Tax practice area.

This position provides administrative support to attorneys and paralegals to ensure the legal work product produced for clients is professional in appearance, error-free, timely, and meets the expectations of the client. This position will be involved in client intake, billing, client communication, legal document formatting and production, effective use of legal technology and file maintenance. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Draft, update, and assemble intellectual property-related forms, assist with agreements and other legal documents for filing with the USPTO and WIPO and other entities, or delivering to clients as directed by attorneys 
• Maintain systems for tracking key dates and keep pertinent people informed of key dates
• Maintain all client files and cases in an up-to-date and professional manner to ensure needed information is easily accessible whenever and by whoever needs it 
• Utilize and understand firm systems including the document management system, systems to compare and enhance documents, adobe acrobat, the time and billing system, Office 365, and others as introduced to effectively and efficiently create and maintain documents
• Open new client matters and coordinate conflict checks; close client matters in a timely manner as approved by the responsible attorney and all in accordance with firm procedures
• Proofread and edit documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation and format
• Perform other administrative duties such as: scheduling meetings/appointments, composing and typing routine correspondence, making copies, maintaining calendars, electronic filing, and opening and processing incoming mail
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, personnel, and staff in a professional manner
• Assist other legal assistants as requested
• Perform other job duties as assigned

Qualifications Include:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree a plus
• Must be able to deliver a high quality work product
• Must have a solid understanding of English grammar
• Must be able to effectively proofread and edit documents, intellectual property experience is a plus
• Must have a minimum of two years of law firm experience, patent and trademark experience a plus
• Must have knowledge of basic legal terminology or the ability to quickly learn legal concepts
• Must be well-organized, accurate, detail-oriented, and professional
• Must demonstrate proficient Microsoft Word skills and be willing to continually improve those skills 
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality 
• Must demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written
• Must be able to effectively manage time and workload, prioritizing appropriately and meeting deadlines
• Must be a collaborator with the desire and ability to interact effectively with attorneys, staff, clients, and others
• Must be reliable and dependable
• Must demonstrate a commitment to providing excellent client service
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation

For more than 100 years, Foster Swift Collins & Smith has provided outstanding client service and legal excellence. With offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Southfield and Holland our firm delivers comprehensive services for businesses, organizations, municipalities, families and individuals across Michigan, the nation and beyond.

Foster Swift has a long-standing commitment to equal opportunity and a work environment free of unlawful harassment or discrimination. Foster Swift provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or active-duty military status, familial status, height, weight, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Foster Swift offers conveniently located offices with a great work environment, a competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefits. Our excellent benefits package includes affordable medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life, short- and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan as well as a wide selection of voluntary plans to cover our employee’s personal needs.  EOE.  We use E-Verify.