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Patent File Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Haynes and Boone, LLP

File Clerk

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred ... as patent, securities, insurance coverage, and class action labor and employment matters. Our ...

Banner Witcoff

Patent Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$80K - $130K/yr

Manage a high-volume patent docket by maintaining file integrity, monitoring deadlines, and ... Upon starting law school, may be advanced to Patent Law Clerk. * Upon completion of law school ...

Banner Witcoff

Patent Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Manage a high-volume patent docket by maintaining file integrity, monitoring deadlines, and ... Upon starting law school, may be advanced to Patent Law Clerk. * Upon completion of law school ...

Cooley LLP

Senior IP Litigation Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

Provide case management for patent litigation in federal district courts, appeals before the ... Electronically file briefs or coordinate filing with Firm's Managing Clerk or other designated ...

Cooley

Senior IP Litigation Paralegal

Washington, DC

$104K - $145K/yr

Provide case management for patent litigation in federal district courts, appeals before the ... Electronically file briefs or coordinate filing with Firm's Managing Clerk or other designated ...

Cooley LLP

Senior IP Litigation Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

Provide case management for patent litigation in federal district courts, appeals before the ... Electronically file briefs or coordinate filing with Firm's Managing Clerk or other designated ...

Cooley

IP Litigation Paralegal

Washington, DC

$72K - $104K/yr

Provide paralegal support for patent litigation in federal district courts, appeals before the ... Electronically file brief or coordinate filing with Firm's Managing Clerk or other designated ...

Cooley LLP

IP Litigation Paralegal

Washington, DC

$72K - $104K/yr

Provide paralegal support for patent litigation in federal district courts, appeals before the ... Electronically file brief or coordinate filing with Firm's Managing Clerk or other designated ...

Cooley LLP

IP Litigation Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$72K - $104K/yr

Provide paralegal support for patent litigation in federal district courts, appeals before the ... Electronically file brief or coordinate filing with Firm's Managing Clerk or other designated ...

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Patent File Clerk information

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How much do patent file clerk jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for patent file clerk in the United States is $17.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a patent file clerk do?

A Patent File Clerk is responsible for organizing, maintaining, and retrieving patent documents and records within a legal or corporate setting. They ensure that all files related to patents, such as applications, correspondence, and approvals, are accurately filed and can be easily accessed by attorneys, patent agents, or examiners. Their duties may also include scanning, indexing, and archiving documents, as well as updating filing systems to comply with regulatory and organizational guidelines. Attention to detail and confidentiality are crucial for this role, given the sensitive nature of patent information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent file clerk?

To thrive as a Patent File Clerk, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with filing systems are essential, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with document management software, database systems, and office productivity tools is often required. Excellent time management, communication, and reliability are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the accurate processing and safeguarding of important legal documents, supporting efficient patent operations.

What are the typical challenges a patent file clerk might face when managing large volumes of sensitive documentation?

As a Patent File Clerk, one common challenge is ensuring that all patent documents are accurately organized and easily retrievable while maintaining strict confidentiality. Managing large volumes of paperwork and digital files requires strong attention to detail and effective time management. Additionally, clerks must stay updated with changing filing protocols and coordinate closely with patent attorneys, paralegals, and other team members to prevent delays in the patent application process.

What is the difference between Patent File Clerk vs Patent Paralegal?

AspectPatent File ClerkPatent Paralegal
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree or paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPatent offices, law firms, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, patent agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesOrganizing patent files, maintaining records, filing documentsPreparing patent documents, conducting research, assisting attorneys

The Patent File Clerk primarily handles filing and record-keeping tasks related to patents, focusing on document organization. In contrast, the Patent Paralegal performs more advanced legal support duties, including document preparation and research. While both roles work within patent law environments, the Patent Paralegal typically requires additional education and offers broader responsibilities.

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Patent File Clerk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent File Clerk job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,892 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

File Clerk

Haynes and Boone, LLP

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

This non-exempt employee is responsible for maintenance of physical case files. The assignments are administrative and clerical in nature and are non-billable.
Essential Duties
  • Maintains physical case files;
  • Retrieves requested materials from physical case files;
  • Bates labeling.

Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned or needed.
Reporting Relationship
The File Clerk reports directly to the Office Administrator or appropriate HR representative.
Qualifications
Knowledge/Experience
The File Clerk must have a working knowledge of computers, legal software, legal documents, and physical files. The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred.
Skills
The File Clerk must have excellent organizational skills; strong attention to detail; ability to work under pressure; ability to follow instructions; strong typing skills; and a willingness to learn software packages support by the Firm. Must have good verbal communication skills.
Education
High School Diploma or equivalent
Physical Demands
Must be able to move around the office up to 40% of the time to file, make copies, fax, etc. Remains stationary at least 60% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Often required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 30 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.
Working Conditions
Office environment with occasional overtime.
Salary Range:
The expected salary range for this position is $18.00-$18.00. Please note that the final offer amount may vary based on experience and skillset of the selected candidate.
At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.
Haynes and Boone's Orange County office serves the needs of California's premier technology industries and capitalizes on the West Coast's global access. We have vibrant practices in intellectual property (IP), in-bound Asian work, venture-funded corporate matters, and big-ticket litigation such as patent, securities, insurance coverage, and class action labor and employment matters. Our thriving economic community is home to an array of businesses, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging technology ventures. Our expanded presence here heightens Haynes and Boone's coast-to-coast capabilities while giving clients the benefits of our growing geographic base. Most of our California-based lawyers have earned engineering or technical degrees in addition to law degrees, enhancing their understanding of the intricacies of IP. Our team members have been recognized in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.), Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Patent 1000 (Globe White Page Ltd), and Managing IP Magazine (Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC). We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.

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