Patent Prosecution Case Clerk

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 a diverse workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.

This non-exempt employee will assist attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and secretaries in the Intellectual Property - Patent and Trademark Group with preparation and control of materials to be used to further client’s goal. 

Essential Duties

• Assist attorneys and paralegals with transaction filings such as with the USPTO;
• Assist paralegals and secretaries with post-filing matters;
• Assist attorneys and paralegals with file building and indexing, and document distributions including uploading to client file servers;
• Index and file organization;
• Assist with patent filing and docketing.
• Perform numerous tasks including but not limited to: preparing IDS's, proofing patents, preparing Issued Patent Letters, working with Visio on patent drawings, etc.
• Accounting – Interface with Accounting Department to ensure proformas are consistent with alternative fee arrangements.

Other Duties

• Assist attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and secretaries on specific projects;
• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Reporting Relationship

The Case Clerk will report to the Office Administrator or Human Resources contact.

Subordinate staff:  N/A

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience

It is preferred that the Case Clerk is familiar with law firm procedures and administrative processes, file organization methods, firm software, and legal procedures as well as command of legal vocabulary. Some law firm experience beneficial.

Skills

The Case Clerk should possess both above-average organizational skills and attention to detail.  This employee should be able to complete projects with minimal supervision upon receiving explicit instructions.  Work should be accomplished in the most time and cost-effective manner. This position also requires strong computer skills and an aptitude for acquiring advanced computer skills.

Education

College degree preferred.  Equivalent law firm experience may be substituted for degree.

Physical Demands

Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 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 expected.

Salary Range

$45,000 to $55,000, depending on education and experience