Foreign Filing Paralegal

Goodwin•Santa Monica, CA

About The Position

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do. Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers. The Foreign Filing Paralegal is responsible for managing all aspects of international patent prosecution and related formalities, including initiative-taking docket management, and coordinating global filing requirements. This role supports Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), national/regional phase, and direct national filings, ensuring accurate and timely submissions, as well as effective communication with clients and foreign agents. Success in this role requires strong collaboration, excellent communication and technical skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
A minimum of three to six (3-6) years of international patent prosecution experience in a law firm or professional services environment; law firm experience strongly preferred.
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel; strong database management skills.
Experience with IP management systems (e.g., CPI and IPDAS) required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization abilities.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
High level of attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across teams.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
Sound judgment and ability to manage confidentiality information discretion.
Flexibility and composure in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations.
Effective time management, organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities, especially in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
Reliable, punctual, and capable of meeting deadlines under pressure with a strong sense of accountability.

Responsibilities

Prepare and file PCT applications, national/regional phase, and direct national patent applications.
Coordinate all aspects of international patent prosecution, including communications with foreign agents.
Prepare and distribute client communications, including reporting letters, correspondence, and status updates.
Draft and coordinate execution of formal documents, including Powers of Attorney, Assignment, Declaration, and related forms.
Monitor, review, and report official communications from international patent offices.
Proactively manage and reconcile docket reports, ensuring accurate deadlines and timely updates to attorneys, clients, and docketing teams.
Organize, maintain, and update electronic files and intellectual property data in accordance with firm protocols.
Upload documents to client systems and databases ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Coordinate preparation of formal drawings and obtain priority documents.
Support attorneys in managing international prosecution dockets in compliance with firm policies and procedures.
Ensure compliance with applicable rules, guidelines and procedures related to international prosecution.
Prepare reports, legal documents, and correspondence related to patent prosecution.
Open new matters, update existing matters, and coordinate conflict checks in alignment with firm requirements.
Performs general administrative tasks and provides support as requested.