Patent Paralegal I

Finnegan•Dallas, TX

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Patent Paralegal I assists attorneys, secretaries, and other legal staff with preparing basic legal documents, proofreading and editing documents, routine legal research, and general administrative assignments. The role includes training and development to take on more substantive legal secretarial responsibilities, with significant progression 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. The base pay is $30.77 per hour, roughly equivalent to $60,000 annually. Actual pay depends on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and internal equity. A range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits will also be offered, depending on the position.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent attention to detail.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks.
Excellent oral and written communication, including spelling and grammar, and interpersonal skills.
Flexible attitude and ability to handle changing assignments and priorities and a rapid, variable pace of work.
Willingness to learn, acquire advanced duties, and support 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 and arranging videoconferences, conference calls, and conference rooms; request equipment and food and beverage orders; and 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 monitoring dockets and preparing for deadlines.
Complete core training, cross-training, skills assessments, and related development in IP secretarial support areas, including litigation and patent and trademark prosecution, as assigned.
Adopt new processes and technology as client demands evolve.
Attend and actively participate in secretarial and team meetings.
May provide reception backup.
Perform other duties as assigned.