Patent Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

ArentFox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, ArentFox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start-ups, international governments, non-profits and trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

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 upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all of our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity to play a key part in supporting the firm's patent practice by maintaining accurate, timely, and reliable docketing records for U.S., international, and foreign patent matters. The individual in this position will review correspondence, PTO documents, completed filings, and other matter-related materials to ensure critical deadlines and information are captured in the docketing database. This role will also support the onboarding of new matters transferred to the firm by researching and entering relevant information from Patent Center, WIPO, foreign patent office websites, and electronic file records.

• Review and analyze all incoming documents and correspondence related to US and foreign patent prosecution, to determine the types and deadlines of actions to be entered in our docketing database;

• Reconcile as-filed documents, acknowledgement receipts, attorney comments, and incoming/outgoing communications against docketed deadlines to help ensure records remain accurate and up to date;

• Monitor the departmental email account for incoming communications and make timely, accurate docket updates;

• Prepare system reports and customized queries to support attorneys and staff with matter management and deadline tracking;

• Research and resolve docketing discrepancies and serve as a knowledgeable resource for docket-related questions;

• Support the smooth transfer of new matters to ArentFox Schiff by using Patent Center, WIPO, and foreign patent office resources to obtain bibliographic information and identify outstanding deadlines, when applicable;

• Maintain clear, detailed notes to ensure client- and attorney-specific procedures are consistently followed.

• Assist with audit report reconciliation and ongoing maintenance of docketing database records;

Minimum Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree is preferred. Related work experience may be used in lieu of formal education;

• Prior law firm experience required;

• 2 years patent docketing experience using a computerized docket system is required. Patricia experience and advanced foreign patent docketing experience is highly preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required;

• Knowledge and understanding of domestic/foreign patent prosecution procedures, terminology and deadlines is required;

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills and attention to detail are required;

• Accurate data entry skills;

• Strong proofreading and reading comprehension skills;

• Ability to work well under pressure and adjust quickly to changing priorities while maintaining a high level of productivity;

• Proficiency in use of office software, including Word, Excel and Outlook are helpful;

• Flexibility for overtime required

This is an hourly, non-exempt position that is eligible for a generous overtime plan that exceeds minimum legal requirements.

The anticipated good-faith base salary range for this position is:

• DC/BOS/CH/LA: $74,000-$102,000

• NY/SF: $81,000-$112,000

Your exact offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, your experience, skills, and overall qualifications. We also review compensation regularly against industry benchmarks and performance outcomes, so you can grow your career here with confidence-knowing your pay recognizes both your impact and our commitment to an equitable approach.

In addition to a competitive base salary, certain positions are eligible for a comprehensive performance-based bonus, payable monthly or annually.

Benefits

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life. That's why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit-sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well-being, in your own way.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We base all employment decisions on merit and 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 applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

* The job description is a general summary of the major duties. It may not specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with a job. It does not 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 and modification.