Patent Paralegal

Summary: Staff designated at Dickinson Wright PLLC (“the Firm”) as an IP Paralegal function as part of the IP administrative team, working with attorneys and staff to manage and prosecute Intellectual Property matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and responsibilities of staff designated as IP Paralegal at the Firm include but are not limited to:

1. Support clients, attorneys and other staff members by performing an administrative role and handling detail-oriented and critical tasks;
2. Maintain physical and electronic files on behalf of clients;
3. Prepare and file patent applications with the USPTO and WIPO, including direct filings, National Stage filings, and Designs;
4. Prepare and file formalities and responses with the USPTO and WIPO;
5. Track deadlines and coordinate with the Firm’s internal docketing department to maintain and update centralized docket;
6. Draft correspondence to clients and on behalf of clients;
7. Manage Intellectual Property projects on behalf of clients;
8. Assist attorneys in filing, prosecuting and post-grant maintenance of patent and trademarks;
9. Meet an annual billable requirement of 1,400 hours; and
10. Other responsibilities as may be assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities Required:

IP Paralegal must:

1. Possess strong analytic, writing and communication skills;
2. Possess strong attention to detail, with a high level of focus;
3. Work effectively both independently and as a member of a collaborative team;
4. Possess excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to interface with colleagues at all levels, by virtue of professional competence and personal integrity;
5. Possess the ability to handle stressful situations, a diverse and high-volume workload, and provide value in a professional manner;
6. Be flexible and possess problem-solving ability;
7. Possess the ability to maintain success in managing multiple tasks and priorities;
8. Maintain the ability to work under pressure as the work occasionally requires a high level of mental effort and strain;
9. Be willing and able to work full-time consistent with the needs of clients and the Firm, unless a specific alternative hour agreement has been made with the Firm; and
10. Be willing and able to maintain client confidentiality and exercise good judgement when making decisions and handling certain situations.

Working Conditions:

Normal law office environment with little exposure to noise, dust, temperature.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Please note that a variety of factors determine compensation, including geographic location, experience, relevant degrees and certifications, and other applicable factors authorized by law.

Dickinson Wright offers a generous benefits package for eligible fulltime employees within our U.S. offices, including health, dental, and vision; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; paid vacation; and parental leave. Additional elective programs include: a health flexible spending account, a health savings account, identity theft protection, a dependent day care reimbursement account, commuter benefits, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, an employee assistance program, and emergency travel assistance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.