Legal Secretary (Patent)

Roseland, NJ

Large, regional, Law Firm is expanding, has a collaborative culture that encourages initiative and provides outstanding client service at all times. The Firm is committed to career development and offers programs that address both personal and professional development goals. Employees are given opportunities to provide community service throughout the year and offered an array of benefits such as Medical, Dental, Profit Sharing plan and a 401K plan.

We are seeking a candidate who has demonstrated drive, dedication, professionalism and a positive attitude. The Legal Secretary’s role is to provide administrative support and patent prosecution support to attorneys and patent agents and to relieve attorneys and other personnel of administrative and clerical work by performing essential duties and responsibilities, which include the following:

Essential Job Requirements
• Assists attorneys, agents and/or law clerks in preparing and filing documents with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), various international patent agencies, and filing patent applications with the corresponding foreign Patent Office via foreign agents.
• Prepare and report incoming communications to the client in a timely manner.
• Assist with preparing and filing responses and/or amendments to Office Actions.
• Assist with preparing formal documents; obtain appropriate signature and follow-up as needed.
• Assist with uploading documents to the client’s database in a timely manner.
• Review issued patents and draft Certificates of Correction, as needed.
• Prepare and file IDS or Supplemental Disclosure; maintain reference citations, including updating Excel spreadsheet or computer database.

Ideal Candidate
• Provide outstanding client service by maintaining a positive and professional attitude; develop positive and cooperative relationships with legal staff, peers and administrators as well as the firm’s clients and external contacts.
• 3+ years of experience in the patent prosecution. Law firm experience preferred.
• Working knowledge and experience with reviewing and reconciling a patent docket.
• Working knowledge and experience with Patent Application Information retrieval System (Private PAIR), Electronic Filing System (EFS), Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS)
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, docket software, database management and contact management.
• Provides high-level client service by possessing and utilizing strong telephone and interpersonal skills with legal staff, peers and administrators, as well as the firm’s clients.
• Exhibits effective communication skills by demonstrating tact, diplomacy and discretion when presenting information and responding to questions from clients, attorneys, managers, etc.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities required by employee.