Patent Practice Assistant

Job Description Summary:

Fenwick is seeking a Patent Practice Assistant who will be responsible for providing administrative support to the Client Services Administrative team. The assistant will ensure quality service and a harmonious working relationship with lawyers, management, supervisors, co-workers, and clients by maintaining effective and efficient workflows, and working ahead of deadlines.

This position can be based in any of our U.S. office locations, and offers a hybrid schedule, requiring one day on-site per week in office with the possibility of additional required in-office days depending on business and client needs. The work schedule for this position (non-exempt) will be 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm, with flexibility and ability to work overtime, as needed.

Job Description:

• Prepare conflict checks for new matters, prepares and process engagement letters for new clients.
• Obtain docket numbers for all U.S. and Non-U.S. matters including creating inventor records in the Fenwick patent docketing system, as needed, including entry of client contact details.
• Create initial client procedures for new clients assigned by the team.
• Review and edit prebills.
• Upload all documents (both U.S. and Non-U.S.) to client databases, as needed.
• Prepare draft client correspondence.
• Manage propel room creation and maintenance for specific clients.
• Manage group expenses, vendor expenses, and bar dues, upon request.
• Coordinate attorney calendars, upon request.
• Handle conference room and visiting office requests.
• Handle travel arrangements, itineraries, and travel logistics.
• Handle time entry corrections as needed.
• Handle Fenwick CRM database edits.
• Assist with MCLE requirements tracking.
• Download USPTO filings from Patent Center.
• Perform status checks on Office actions.
• Serve as a back-up to team members, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Multitask in a highly demanding, deadline-driven environment.
• Possess a high level of attention to detail.
• Take initiative and work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to proofread typed material for grammatical, typographical and spelling errors.
• Ability to type standard correspondence, memoranda and similar material in draft or final form from written material or dictation.
• Exemplary client service skills, with the ability to interact with various departments, all levels of firm executive personnel, vendors and contractors.
• Excellent written, verbal and organizational skills.
• Maintain and handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Promote effective work practices, work as a team member, and show respect for all firm personnel.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant administrative work experience.  Experience in a law firm setting is preferred. 

#LI-Hybrid

Benefits and Compensation Details:

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing. Except as otherwise required by law, temporary employees are generally not entitled to these benefits.

The anticipated range for this position is:

$76,000 - $107,500

Depending on the role, the actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

A discretionary bonus for eligible employees may also be available based on performance.  Additional information about employee eligibility for benefits and discretionary bonus will be made available upon request.