Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, is seeking a Patent Prosecution Practice Assistant. The Practice Assistant will support life science and healthcare IP attorneys and paralegals in all aspects of patent prosecution, assisting with daily workflow tasks and ensuring compliance with U.S. patent prosecution rules.

Responsibilities

• Assist with submitting conflict checks and opening new matters, including preparation of engagement letters and management of client and case documents
• Review and organize documents, files, and emails and ensure they are properly filed in First-to-File and NetDocs, according to the Firm’s filing protocols
• Assist with maintaining client’s ShareFile spaces
• Maintain working knowledge of client guidelines, procedures, and preferences
• Research across patent databases such as USPTO, WIPO, Espacenet, and other foreign patent offices
• Prepare new application papers such as Application Data Sheets
• Prepare and send formal documents to inventors for signature, ensure timely receipt of signed documents, record and file formal documents with the USPTO
• Assist with drafting reporting letters for USPTO mail
• File US Powers of Attorney for transferred-in files and assist with transfer-in tasks related to new clients
• Research case files, both US and foreign
• Assist with running reports from firm’s docketing program
• Assist with client projects

Skills

• A minimum of 1-2 years of U.S. patent prosecution experience in a law firm
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and concise communication skills
• Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills
• Proficient working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed
• High school diploma
• Some college or bachelor's degree preferred
• Must have proficiency in Windows 11, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system
• Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems

Benefits

• The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).

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