Legal Assistant - Intellectual Property (IP)
About The Position
Lippes Mathias is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join their Intellectual Property Law Group. This role provides critical support to attorneys handling patent and trademark matters throughout all stages of prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. The ideal candidate will have hands-on IP experience and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision and timeliness are essential. The firm emphasizes a people-focused workplace with long-tenured colleagues, accessible leadership, and a culture that respects work-life balance, offering strong benefits from day one and a year-end bonus opportunity.
Requirements
- Associate's degree or bachelor's degree required
- 3+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably in intellectual property law (patent and/or trademark prosecution)
- Proficiency in Office365, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Familiarity with USPTO filing systems, including EFS-Web/Patent Center and TEAS/TEASi
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Professional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Nice To Haves
- Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred
- Experience with IP docketing software (e.g., CPi, Foundation IP, or similar platforms) strongly preferred
Responsibilities
- Prepare, file, and manage patent and trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including responses to office actions, declarations, and assignments
- US/PCT/Foreign application preparation/filing (USPTO, ePCT, foreign counsel)
- Monitor and docket all incoming communications, as appropriate
- Monitor and maintain patent and trademark docketing calendars to ensure all deadlines and statutory due dates are met
- Conduct trademark searches and assist with clearance analyses
- Draft and proofread correspondence, legal documents, and filings related to IP prosecution matters
- Coordinate with foreign associates and agents on international patent and trademark filings
- Maintain organized electronic and physical files for all IP matters
- Assist attorneys with preparation of Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) and prior art references
- Track renewal and maintenance fee deadlines for patents and trademark registrations
- Communicate with clients, the USPTO, and other parties regarding case status and filing requirements
- Prepare office action shells, related documents (RCEs, Terminal Disclaimers, AFCPs, etc.) and file responses
- Prepare response shells to notices regarding: formalities/insufficiencies/defects and related documents (Communications to IB, USPTO, replacement figures) and file responses (USPTO/ePCT)
- Prepare information disclosure statements, review of cross-related families for art citations as needed
- Prepare formal documents/chain of title; file/record
- Support attorneys with IP due diligence, litigation holds, and special projects as needed
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Year-end bonus opportunity
- Medical, dental & vision, beginning your first month
- Immediate eligibility for 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Paid parental leave
- Long-term disability (firm-paid)
- Life/AD&D insurance
- Firm-arranged parking for downtown locations
- Complimentary snacks and beverages in the break room
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
