SUMMARY:
The IP Client Administrator (Patent) (CA) provides support to assigned client(s) to ensure client efficiency and satisfaction, which requires strong knowledge in domestic patent prosecution. The CA is responsible for preparing legal documents associated with domestic patent prosecution; maintaining dockets, files, and data integrity; interacting with client(s) and related personnel; providing practice support and assistance; and serving as a liaison between client(s) and external and/or internal team members or departments. The CA operates independently and as a service-oriented team member who contributes positively to the department and firm.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Independently builds positive relationships with and maximizes firm-wide efficiency for assigned client(s).
- Performs a diverse range of domestic patent prosecution and administrative support required to accomplish client objectives and satisfy the firm’s responsibilities to assigned client(s) which includes but is not limited to the following:
- Independently prepares legal documents, reports, and correspondence associated with domestic patent prosecution for practitioners and clients.
- Prepares and files documents with USPTO.
- Assists practitioners manage their dockets according to firm practices.
- Organizes and maintains the integrity of electronic data and files relating to client(s)’s intellectual property in accordance with firm policy and procedures.
- Reviews incoming correspondence including paper and electronic mail, facsimiles, docketed information, and/or client instructions and takes necessary action in accordance with firm policy and procedures.
- Independently collaborates with client(s) and firm personnel to identify, establish, and maintain data integrity, processes, and applicable database(s) to ensure success while supporting client and firm objectives.
- This includes but is not limited to the creation, maintenance, and revisions of standard operating procedures, manuals, client data reference materials, etc. as needed.
- Assesses client-specific situations to improve client satisfaction and recommends as well as implements creative enhancements.
- Provides guidance to firm personnel to ensure all individuals possess a thorough understanding of their responsibilities and procedures for assigned client(s).
- Identifies training needs, develops training objectives, and provides client-specific training for applicable firm personnel in order to provide effective support to assigned client(s).
- Demonstrates strong proficiency with a range of software applications including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and applicable IP software solutions. Learns new applications as needed.
- Uses exceptional communication skills to interact with various parties via telephone, electronic mail, and facsimile as necessary. Consistently follows-up and maintains open lines of information-sharing with client(s), practitioner(s), direct supervisor, and other firm management and personnel as needed.
- Coordinates with colleagues and/or departments to ensure successful completion of assigned tasks and other requests in a timely manner.
- Works closely with direct supervisor to ensure client needs and expectations are consistently being met.
- Researches and retrieves information for the completion of assigned tasks utilizing applicable resources. Such resources may include the firm Intranet, firm training materials, legal rules books (e.g., the MPEP, etc.), the USPTO website, etc.
- Acts as a resource for others to enhance overall productivity of the firm.
- Participates in pilot programs and/or product deployments as needed.
- Assists with testing of new and/or updated systems as needed.
- Provides problem-solving research and feedback relating to new and/or revised procedures, workflow efficiencies, law and/or rule changes, group/department/firm initiatives, etc. as needed.
- Assists with guiding, mentoring, and training others as needed.
- Assists and supports direct supervisor and other firm management with special projects/requests and/or additional client and/or practitioner support as needed.
- Performs general administrative and support duties or tasks as required and requested.
- Takes on additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- A minimum of three to six (3-6) years of domestic patent prosecution experience in a law firm or professional setting. Law firm setting preferred.
- Demonstrated success functioning in a demanding service-oriented environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of domestic patent prosecution procedural terminology, requirements, and workflow.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proven interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with different levels of constituencies both as an individual contributor and in a team setting.
- Exceptional critical thinking, interpretive, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to accuracy and detail.
- Proven ability to prioritize own work.
- Flexibility and resourcefulness, and a strong willingness to support the firm and its business needs.
- Proven ability to respond calmly, efficiently, and effectively in stressful situations.
- Strong proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, and applicable IP software solutions.
- Comfort using new technologies and databases.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and able to prioritize tasks in a very efficient manner.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of matters and other firm business information.
- Punctual and reliable.
- Ability to adhere to established work schedule, but with flexibility required to respond to workload demands and work additional hours when necessary
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $108,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- patent prosecution: 3 years (Required)
- law firm: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: On the road