Legal Administrative Assistant - Intellectual Property (KCM)

Stinson LLP•Parkville, MO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The LAA is responsible for producing a variety of work product related to the attorney/client interaction. The LAA must be able to work effectively with a variety of law firm members, including numerous lawyers, paralegals, and staff members. In all situations, it is expected that the LAA will maintain the highest levels of respect, confidentiality and professionalism in the execution of the responsibilities. This position reports to the IP Administrator; on a day to day basis, works under the direction of the attorneys and paralegals to whom the Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) is assigned. Please submit your application by no later than 45 days following the posted date. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
3-4 years LAA experience or equivalent.
Strong computer skills required with Microsoft Word and Outlook, as well as with file document management tools such as iManage.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Highly professional with a strong customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Strong professional, independent thinking skills with strength in problem solving and the ability to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions.
A team player who motivates and educates other team members.
Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Nice To Haves

College or business school.
Prior experience in the assigned practice area(s).
Patent and/or trademark prosecution experience preferred.
Understanding of rules, practices, and procedures of US PTO and experience with web filings with the US PTO is a plus.
Law Firm experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare patent and trademark form documents for filing and for client communications regarding filings and deadlines.
Monitor attorney docket and prepare client reminders regarding deadlines.
Responsible for typing and modifying legal documents accurately and within requested timeframes for assigned legal group, prioritizing work among assignments and meeting specific deadlines on projects
Coordinates lengthy and complex document preparation with Work Product Support Services as needed.
Prepares documents for e-filing as required.
Reviews and routes incoming mail. Prepares and processes outgoing mail and faxes, arranging for specialized mail or messenger services as required.
Ensures that all attachments, exhibits and enclosures are included.
Maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current policies.
Routes correspondence to docketing in accordance with procedures.
Works with Information Governance to create and maintain client files and indexes.
Marks case or matter related documents as needed with filing instructions to ensure proper filing.
Performs routine filing and retrieves files as needed.
Maintains administrative files for assigned attorneys.
Responsible for professionally managing incoming calls, including client calls, assisting in coordinating timekeeper calendars, expense reports, travel and meeting arrangements.
Coordinates specific client dates with the Calendar/Docket Department as needed.
Prepares and processes new matter forms.
Receives and screens phone calls and takes messages as required.
Receives and directs clients and visitors.
Schedules meetings and arranges for conference rooms and meals.
Maintains and updates contact names and addresses in the contact database.
Communicates effectively with clients and with others in the Firm.
Is proactive in anticipating the business needs of the assigned attorneys; plans ahead and meets deadlines.
Prepares daily time entries for assigned attorneys utilizing Firm approved narrative guidelines, and submits in a timely manner to Accounting.
Prepares expense reimbursement/disbursement requests.
Coordinates client billing matters with Accounting billing staff, attorneys, and clients; prepares billing letters and other requested client financial updates; assists attorneys with tracking and monitoring alternative fee arrangements; assists attorneys with automation, tracking and monitoring of matter budgets.
Proactively demonstrates effective teamwork and provides assistance to other LAAs as time permits.
Serves as a backup LAA to assigned timekeepers.
Works cooperatively with other departments and individuals in the Firm.
Performs other duties as assigned.