Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton is a global Am Law 100 firm seeking a Patent Prosecution Practice Assistant. The role involves supporting life science and healthcare IP attorneys and paralegals in patent prosecution tasks, requiring knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution rules and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Assist with submitting conflict checks and opening new matters, including preparation of engagement letters and management of client and case documents
- Review and organize documents, files, and emails and ensure they are properly filed in First-to-File and NetDocs, according to the Firm’s filing protocols
- Assist with maintaining client’s ShareFile spaces Maintain working knowledge of client guidelines, procedures, and preferences
- Research across patent databases such as USPTO, WIPO, Espacenet, and other foreign patent offices
- Prepare new application papers such as Application Data Sheets
- Prepare and send formal documents to inventors for signature, ensure timely receipt of signed documents, record and file formal documents with the USPTO
- Assist with drafting reporting letters for USPTO mail
- File US Powers of Attorney for transferred-in files and assist with transfer-in tasks related to new clients
- Research case files, both US and foreign
- Assist with running reports from firm’s docketing program
- Assist with client projects
Skills
- A minimum of 1-2 years of U.S. patent prosecution experience in a law firm
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines
- Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment
- Clear and concise communication skills
- Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills
- Proficient working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed
- High school diploma
- Some college or bachelor's degree preferred
Company Overview
- Businesses turn to Sheppard to deliver sophisticated counsel to help clients move ahead. It was founded in 1927, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.sheppardmullin.com.