Patent Application Filing Coordinator

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP seeks a Patent Application Filing Coordinator for its Glendale, California office. The Patent Application Filing Coordinator will, with minimum guidance, prepare and e-file at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) new patent applications and their accompanying documents including preliminary amendments, information disclosure statements, etc. This role is also responsible for managing electronic files including opening new matters and maintaining files according to firm protocol.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare new patent applications for attorney signature and filing at the USPTO.


• Provide administrative support for attorneys/timekeepers.


• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of USPTO rules and filing procedures.


• Review and edit prepared application filing documents for accuracy, including accurate proofreading.


• Open new matters for incoming patent applications.


• Accurately maintain client e-files through completion of the application filing process.


• Contribute to a team environment.


• Establish and maintain an ongoing positive business relationship with clients, USPTO Examiners, attorneys, paralegals, and staff.


• Review docket with attorney(s) and coordinate appropriate action, as necessary.


• Lend support to other legal IP assistants when needed.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required. College level courses/degree preferred.


• At least three years of Legal Secretary/Assistant experience in a law firm environment, including two years of patent prosecution experience, required.


• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Word with strong and accurate typing skills.


• Excellent proofreading, editing, grammar, communication, and organizational skills, as well as an ability to prioritize.


• Devotion to excellence for all responsibilities, including those that are more repetitive and administrative in nature.


• Ability to absorb training quickly and efficiently. 


• Identify opportunities for streamlining processes and recommend appropriate solutions to improve efficiencies.


• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards work.


• Work efficiently under minimal supervision.


• Adhere to and support the firm's standards, policies, and procedures.


• Manage a heavy IP desk, including managing calendar and planning workload.


• Maintain cooperative, diplomatic working relationships with co-workers, attorneys, and supervisors; work as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues.


• Complete projects under tight deadlines even when there are competing requirements and changes in assignments. 

This position is subject to export control laws.

Compensation: The salary range for this role is approximately $61,000 - $89,000. Starting salary will be determined based on location, qualifications, and experience. 

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP will consider all qualified applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. 

Los Angeles County applicants: Material job duties for this position are listed above. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to firm policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, and safeguard business operations.