Legal Assistant

JOB TITLE: Legal Assistant DEPARTMENT: Intellectual Property OVERVIEW: Duane Morris LLP, a global law firm with 900 + attorneys in offices across the U.S. and around the world, offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today’s evolving global markets. SUMMARY: We are seeking an IP Legal Assistant to assist Attorneys in our San Diego, CA office. The ideal candidate must have 3-5 years of U.S. patent prosecution experience, with strong knowledge of USPTO policies and procedures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Prepare and file US patent applications, office action responses, and other documents with USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office); manage formal papers from inventors and Powers of Attorney. Prepare and review the daily docket report and proactive interaction with assigned attorneys and agents. Research, generate and update case status reports and IP schedules for clients, attorneys and other IP timekeepers and sends reminders to timekeepers as necessary (Pattsywave) Interface directly with clients, including reporting filing of documents on behalf of clients Processes incoming mail (original/electronic), reports communications from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to attorneys and clients, and ensures prompt responses to inquiries Assists with coordination of incoming and outgoing file transfers Provides general legal/administrative and patent prosecution support to attorneys including but not limited to process check requests, expense reports, and reimbursements, and maintain attorney calendars Review, route mail and correspondences accordingly PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Strong knowledge with USPTO procedures, rules and requirements; knowledge of U.S. and PCT patent rules and procedures Established understanding of lifecycle of patent applications from pre-filing stages to prosecution and issuance. Excellent communication and time management skills Proficient in MS Office including Excel, PowerPoint and Word EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 3- 5 years’ experience in U.S. patent prosecution experience working in a law firm. Bachelor’s degree is preferred Salary Range: Annual $85,000 - $105,000 BENEFITS: Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and prescription plans Commuter, HSA and FSA spending accounts Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance coverage 401k and Pension Plan 22 PTO days, 11 paid holidays Employee Referral Bonus ($3,000.00) ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT: If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Nate Maxwell at 215-979-1000. CALIFORNIA APPLICANTS: Please visit our Privacy Notice and to learn about our information practices in the application and employment context. Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a contract or employment agreement and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all functions, responsibilities or requirements. In addition, Duane Morris reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate any benefit plan, in whole or in part, at any time. The authority to make such changes rests with the Plan Administrator Job Type: Full-time Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA 92101