Patent Legal Assistant

Who We Are

At Benesch we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations and building trust not only with our clients but with our employees - Benesch's #1 asset. Committed to providing not only the highest level of legal service to our clients, Benesch also aspires to create a positive work environment for our employees. Our Firm continues to earn placement on Chicago and Cleveland's Top Workplaces list, along with Cleveland's NorthCoast 99 Top Workplaces rankings. We also continue to advance on the AmLaw 150 list, placing us among the top 150 law firms in the country.

Benesch is proud to be recognized for being a Firm that attracts and retains top talent - making Benesch a great place to work. We offer a hybrid schedule, career development and growth, transparent and visible leadership teams, and a place where diversity, equity and inclusion is celebrated. In addition, the Firm offers a full array of benefits which can be viewed at www.mybeneschbenefits.com.

Working with Us - Come and "Be Benesch!"

We are one of the fastest growing firms in the nation, and have offices in Chicago, Columbus, San Francisco, New York City, and Wilmington. We continue to expand our geographic footprint and value the talent that comprises each of our locations. If you are someone who champions a First in Service approach and are ready to be part of an exciting and growing Firm, we would invite you to apply to join our team.

Want to know more? To hear from some of our team, click here: https://www.beneschlaw.com/careers/index.html

Benesch is proud to announce the opening for a Patent Legal Assistant in our Chicago office! This position is hybrid and has work from home flexibility.

Position Summary:

Our Chicago office has an amazing opportunity for a Patent Legal Assistant who is looking to be part of a dynamic team. This role is perfect for the legal assistant who is looking to work in a cutting-edge office of one of the nation's fastest growing law firms and assist attorneys in an energetic, fast-paced environment.

The IP/Patent Legal Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting the legal administrative aspects of a busy patent prosecution practice. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment supporting patent attorneys and agents in various Benesch offices across the U.S.

Essential Functions:

1. Prepares and files patent applications and related documents with the USPTO and under the PCT system.

2. Coordinates international filings with foreign associates, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.

3. Manages docketing, deadlines, and correspondence related to domestic and international prosecution.

4. Reviews and formats patent documents, including patent applications, responses to Office actions, IDSs, and other associated documents.

5. Maintains strong knowledge of USPTO rules, PCT procedures, and international filing requirements.

6. Serves as a key liaison between attorneys, clients, and foreign counsel regarding case status and strategy.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Proactively participates as a member of the practice group support coverage team.

2. Stays current in the use of all firm systems and practices.

3. May require overtime or weekend hours.

4. Performs additional office support duties as assigned/requested.

Qualifications:

The IP/Patent Legal Assistant must possess a minimum of 5 years of intellectual property experience, with a strong focus on patent prosecution and knowledge of USPTO and PCT procedures. Patent litigation experience is a plus. A high school diploma required; bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate preferred. Must have leadership or supervisory experience in a legal support or paralegal setting. Proficiency with electronic filing systems (EFS-Web, Patent Center, ePCT), Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word), and PDF software is essential. Experience with legal tools such as InTapp Time, Intapp Open, Chrome River, Aderant, Interaction, and iManage is a plus. Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills, excellent attention to detail, and a customer service mindset are required. Must work well independently and collaboratively.

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Benesch Human Resources Department by phone at 216-363-4578 or email Christine Watson at cwatson@beneschlaw.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities