At ArentFox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
JOB TITLE: Trademark Paralegal (All Levels)
DEPARTMENT: Paralegal
REPORTS TO: Paralegal Manager
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
JOB LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
JOB SUMMARY
This position works under the direct supervision of a lawyer and provides the lawyer substantive legal services. A lawyer may delegate any task normally performed by a lawyer to a Paralegal Specialist, except those tasks prohibited to a non-lawyer by statute, court rule, administrative rule or regulation, controlling authority, the applicable rule of professional conduct of the jurisdiction in which the lawyer practices, or the ABA Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and file foreign and domestic trademark applications, statements of use, extensions of time, amendments to allege use, Sections 8 & 15 declarations, and other filings
- Draft communications with clients and foreign associates
- Preliminary trademark availability searching
- Review office actions and summarize issues for attorneys
- Perform internal trademark searches and/or initial review of outside vendor search reports and preparing charts and draft findings
- Draft filing instructions for trademark applications
- Reporting deadlines to docketing and docket clearance
- Client communications, including reporting actions, deadlines and providing accurate charts of client’s prosecution matters
- Preparing agendas for monthly client calls
- Make preliminary evaluations regarding potential specimens showing use for submission
- Assist with TTAB proceedings and trademark litigation, including drafting and filing of documents, maintaining pleadings files and docket, searching for third party marks or evidence of use and related tasks
- Copyright experience or willingness to learn.
GENERAL:
- Drafts, analyzes, and prepares legal documents for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal[1].
- Coordinates legal projects and communicates legal information for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal.
- Prepare draft communications for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal.
- Collects, evaluates, and summarizes relevant facts and legal concepts for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal.
- Attends client meetings, coordination meetings, and legal proceedings with a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal.
- Provides legal project management for a legal matter for a supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal.
- Supervises Project Assistants, Paralegals and Senior Paralegals on assigned tasks..
- Maintains notary license in local jurisdiction.
- Follows all supervising lawyer or supervising paralegal instructions.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintains accurate and appropriate time records regarding hours spent working for clients, working for the Firm, and working on administrative tasks.
- Meets all time entry and timesheet deadlines specified by the Firm, the Paralegal Department, and the Accounting Department.
- Bills a minimum of 1,536 creditable hours each performance evaluation year that begins April 1 and ends March 31 of which a minimum of 1,416 of those hours are client billable hours.
- Limits approved pro bono hours and approved firm representation hours to a maximum of 120 total hours during each performance evaluation year.
- Works a predictable schedule, and also provides flexibility in daily schedule to meet Firm’s needs during periods of heavy workload.
- Timely notifies both supervising lawyers, supervising paralegals, and the Paralegal Manager of any time out of the office during normal work hours.
- Reports the receipt of non-billable work to the Paralegal Manager upon receipt.
- Avoids overtime for non-billable assignments.
- Contacts supervising lawyers, supervising paralegals and Paralegal Manager when available for new assignments.
- Accepts accountability and responsibility for all work assignments.
- Adheres to The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.’s “Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
- Attends relevant legal education to continuously improve legal skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Understanding of legal processes and practice-group specific procedures.
- Excellent interpersonal, team, and customer service skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to function well in a high-paced, and at times, stressful environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and practice-group specific software.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
California Education/Experience Requirement:
Paralegal:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Paralegal Certification from ABA approved program required.
Experience: 4+ years relevant experience required.
Senior Paralegal:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Paralegal Certification from ABA approved program required.
Experience: 7+ years relevant experience required.
Paralegal Specialist:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree or Paralegal Certification from ABA approved program required.
Experience: 13+ years relevant experience required.
Senior Paralegal Specialist
Education: Bachelor's Degree or Paralegal Certification from ABA approved program required.
Experience: 18+ years relevant experience.
ABOUT ARENTFOX SCHIFF:
ArentFox Schiff LLP is internationally recognized in core industries where business and the law intersect. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, the firm serves as a destination for an international roster of corporations, governments, private individuals, and trade associations.
The annualized good faith base salary ranges for the following positions in the Washington, DC and Los Angeles locations:
- Paralegal is a minimum of $70,000 to a maximum of $102,000 per year.
- Senior Paralegal is a minimum of $85,000 to a maximum of $127,000 per year.
- Paralegal Specialist is a minimum of $92,000 to a maximum of $138,000 per year.
- Senior Paralegal Specialist is a minimum of $105,800 to a maximum of $158,700 per year.
The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, applicable certifications, and other relevant professional licenses held, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm.
ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
* A job description is a general description of the function and major duties of a job. It may not specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with a job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to direct, assign, and control the work of employees in a unit. Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team environment, and ability to work in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities are requirements of all jobs at ArentFox Schiff LLP. Additional job-related qualifications may be specified for some openings. Job descriptions are subject to periodic review.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The following table indicates the degree of working conditions expected for the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these requirements.N/A = 0-10%, Occasionally = 11-33%, Frequently = 34 - 66%, Constantly = 67 - 100%
Requirement/Frequency
Travel - N/A
Sitting -Constantly
Standing -Constantly
Walking -Constantly
Reading -Constantly
Typing -Frequently
Concentration -Constantly
Oral and Written Communication -Constantly
Horizontal Reaching -Frequently
Vertical Reaching -Frequently
Twisting -Frequently
Repetitive Arm/Hand/Finger Movements -Frequently
Weight - Constantly, up to 50 lbs.
[1] Supervising Paralegals encompass individuals with the title: Paralegal, Senior Paralegal, Paralegal Specialist and Senior Paralegal Specialist.
