Patent Practice Assistant II

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP • Full-time • San Diego, California, United States • $23 - $36 / hour • 3m ago

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 firm, is seeking a Patent Practice Assistant II.

We prefer candidates who can work from our Del Mar office, but will consider other candidates who can work from one of our other U.S. offices. The other offices we are considering are: San Francisco and Silicon Valley. There is only one opening.

We are hiring a proactive, motivated, and well-organized Patent Practice Assistant II to support life sciences and healthcare IP attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and practice specialists in all aspects of patent prosecution. The role will primarily assist paralegals and practice specialists with the team’s daily workflow tasks. The job requires general knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle various duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and development. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 years’ experience in U.S. patent prosecution.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

Coordinate with IP Transfers team in transfer-in and transfer-out of matters, including reviewing, auditing, filing POAs, and communicating with foreign counsel.
Assist with IDS tasks, including downloading copies of references and updating IDS charts after IDS filings.
Prepare corrective requests – supplemental Application Data Sheets, requests to update/change applicant, requests to correct inventorship
Contact the USPTO regarding the status of applications.
Prepare and send formal documents to inventors for signature, ensure timely receipt of signed documents, record and file formal documents with the USPTO.
Prepare amendment shells for responses to office actions.
Prepare reporting letters for patent certificates.
Assist with drafting reporting letters for USPTO mail.
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.
Maintain working knowledge of client guidelines, procedures, and preferences.
Research across patent databases such as USPTO, WIPO, Espacenet, and other foreign patent offices.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Education and/or Experience
High school diploma. Some college or bachelor’s degree preferred.

Computer/Software Knowledge
Must have proficiency in Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.

Work Environment

The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.

California: The pay range for this position is $23.00 to $36.00 per hour.