Legal Practice Assistant

Burr & Forman LLP has an immediate opening in the Charlotte, NC office for an Intellectual Property Practice Assistant.  This role will provide a variety of administrative and legal support services with an intense focus on providing exceptional service to our clients.  Key responsibilities include preparing and filing legal documents, managing case files, and facilitating communication with attorneys and clients.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Perform complex administrative duties requiring knowledge of legal terminology and legal processes
• Assist with coverage of attorneys/agents by the IP Paralegals and provide overflow/backup support to other team members as needed
• Manage foreign docket reports and proactively communicate with attorneys regarding international deadlines
• Monitor and communicate with clients regarding upcoming foreign application and prosecution deadlines
• Draft, prepare, proofread, and send written correspondence and documents and monitor incoming correspondence
• Request priority and certified documents; forward to foreign agents as required
• Create, revise, and file provisional, non-provisional, and continuing US patent applications including reissue applications and PPH applications in the US Patent and Trademark Office
• Draft and prepare documentation associated with US and foreign patent/trademark prosecution matters and/or filings including legalization and authentication of requisite legal documents
• Prepare and file global IP assignments in accordance with transaction requirements
• Manage, maintain, and ensure accurate clearing of docket tasks
• Copy, scan, and save all communications in the appropriate document management system
• Utilize and provide feedback for documented guidelines, processes, and procedures
• Other responsibilities as needed

THE ESSENTIALS

• At least two years of experience as an intellectual property assistant (or other supporting role) in a law firm or corporate legal department environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Precise proofreading skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships (in-person and virtually)
• Highly organized and proactive, with a desire to take ownership as a contributing member of the team
• Balance competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, exercising patience and professionalism during stressful situations
• Experience with IP Docketing system, FoundationIP is a plus
• Some overtime may be required

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is a unique opportunity to join a firm that prioritizes our clients, colleagues, and communities.  Burr & Forman enjoys a highly collaborative culture in a familiar environment where individual contributions are recognized and valued.  Our clients have local, national, and international interests, and the work we do is interesting and important.  If you’re a service-minded professional with intellectual curiosity and excellent work ethic, please consider joining our team at Burr & Forman. 

Burr & Forman LLP provides a wide range of benefits designed to support our employees and families including comprehensive health insurance, dental and vision insurance, group term life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan and retirement planning services, paid time off, and free wellness and mental health services among other benefits. 

The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation.  Actual compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, education, work experience, geographic location, skills and competencies, industry knowledge, job responsibilities, market considerations and other business considerations.   

Equal Opportunity Employer

Burr & Forman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and promoting lawyers and staff without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, military and protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity, E-Verify, and other related posters at www.burr.com/careers/working-at-burr.