Legal Support Assistant

Burr & Forman•Charlotte, NC

29d•Onsite

About The Position

Burr & Forman has an immediate opening in our Charlotte, NC office for a full-time, experienced Legal Support Assistant to join our growing IP Docketing team. The Legal Support Assistant provides comprehensive IP docketing services to the firm, including foreign and domestic patent and trademark docketing. This role involves performing complex administrative tasks that require knowledge of legal terminology and processes, including preparing and filing legal documents, managing calendars, and coordinating logistics for meetings. The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, with at least two years of experience in a legal setting. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent form two-year college or technical school; or two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Two (2) or more years of general IP experience is preferred
Professional appearance and demeanor with commitment to providing exceptional client service
Ability to work independently and as a member of the team
Highly organized, detail-orientated, proactive with a desire to take ownership as a contributing member of the team
Balance competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, exercising patience and professionalism during stressful situations
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook

Nice To Haves

experience with IP docketing systems is a plus

Responsibilities

Perform complex administrative duties requiring knowledge of legal terminology and legal processes
Review, docket and distribute a high volume of incoming correspondence from the USPTO, WIPO and foreign associates according to established procedures
Open new matters and input records into IP Docketing system, FoundationIP, for both foreign and domestic patent, trademark, and copyright cases
Provide auditing service for matters and docketed actions to ensure quality control of client data
Generate client status reports including researching to confirm status of pending or issued applications at the USPTO and in foreign IP offices
Clear the docket daily, including sending reminders as needed
Keep current with USPTO, PCT, Madrid Protocol and Foreign IP rules and practices associated with deadlines
Manage and work with IP Docketing team and/or other teams within the firm to complete special projects as requested
Assist with the process of transferring in/out of clients/matters (coordinating with old/new firm, obtaining necessary POAs, reviewing each individual matter for accuracy, inputting all data into our docket, etc.)
Assist with monitoring and instructing annuity payments according to client instructions, track payment decisions, and submit annuity invoices for all patent prosecution matters
Prepare, edit, and proof briefs, motions, discovery, pleadings, memos, correspondence and other similar documents and reports
File briefs, pleadings, and other filings in district/state/federal court as needed
Schedule and coordinate logistics for meetings, travel and depositions
Maintain calendars including court deadlines and appearances
Answer incoming calls, respond to inquiries for information, prepare documents for shipment, and distribute mail
Greet and interact with clients and visitors to the firm’s offices and notify appropriate personnel of the arrival of guests
Enter billable time into the firm’s billing software and submit expense reimbursements
Open and maintain client files, cases, and organizational documents
Assist in other administrative tasks to ensure a smooth office workflow