Patent Paralegal I

Finnegan • Dallas, TX

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Patent Paralegal I assists attorneys, secretaries, and other legal staff with basic legal documents, proofreading and editing, routine legal research, general administrative assignments, and training to take on more substantive legal secretarial duties. The role supports intellectual property secretarial work across litigation, patent prosecution, and trademark prosecution, with significant progression of responsibilities and assignments expected within the first year. The position may be based in any of Finnegan’s U.S. offices and requires a hybrid/onsite work schedule.

Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including spelling and grammar, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible attitude and ability to manage changing assignments and priorities and a rapid, variable pace of work.
• Willingness to learn, acquire advanced duties, and provide support to varied team members.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Familiarity with databases or willingness to learn them.
• Familiarity with the Internet/Intranet and using the internet for research.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing court filings and organizing pleadings, memoranda, discovery, and other legal documents.
• Prepare, edit, proofread, and redline documents and correspondence for accuracy, grammar, and formatting.
• Prepare client bills and related forms, and arrange expense advancement, reimbursement, and invoice payments.
• Coordinate travel and meeting logistics, including scheduling, arranging videoconferences, conference calls, and conference rooms; requesting equipment; and ordering food and beverages.
• Prepare presentation materials.
• Open new client matters.
• Organize and maintain attorney contacts and calendars.
• Input, review, edit, and update attorney time entries and print reports.
• Ensure client communications are relayed accurately and promptly.
• Organize and maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with Firm records-retention policies.
• Complete training to assist attorneys with docket monitoring and deadline preparation.
• Complete core training, cross-training, skills assessments, and related development in assigned IP secretarial support areas, including litigation, patent prosecution, and trademark prosecution.
• Embrace new processes and incorporate new technology to meet evolving client demands.
• Attend and actively participate in secretarial and team meetings.
• Provide reception backup when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits dependent on the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED