Patent Paralegal I

Finnegan•Palo Alto, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Patent Paralegal I assists attorneys, secretaries, and other legal staff with preparing basic legal documents, proofreading and editing documents, performing routine legal research, and completing general administrative assignments. The role includes training and development to take on increasingly substantive legal secretarial assignments, with significant progression in responsibilities 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, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent attention to detail.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including spelling and grammar, and strong interpersonal skills.
Flexible attitude and ability to manage changing assignments and priorities in a rapid but variable work pace.
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, conference rooms, equipment, food and beverage orders, and 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 and patent and trademark prosecution.
Adopt new processes and technology as client demands evolve.
Attend and actively participate in secretarial and team meetings.
Provide reception backup when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.