Patent Prosecution Assistant

Alston & Bird • Charlotte, NC

3d

About The Position

The Patent Prosecution Assistant is an integral member of the Intellectual Property team, providing administrative and operational support to attorneys, patent agents, and patent specialists throughout the patent prosecution lifecycle. The position coordinates patent filings, manages correspondence and official communications, maintains accurate records, prepares client reporting, and helps ensure critical deadlines are met. The role supports domestic and international patent matters and requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, proactive client service, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably supporting patent prosecution attorneys or patent agents.
• Knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution procedures and patent office practices.
• Experience with docketing systems and patent management software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under deadline pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Prior experience in a law firm or intellectual property practice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, proofread, and process patent prosecution correspondence and related documentation.
• Assist with preparing and filing U.S. patent applications and prosecution documents through the USPTO Patent Center.
• Prepare and submit forms and supporting documents for powers of attorney, assignments, declarations, and other prosecution filings.
• Coordinate execution of patent-related documents by inventors, clients, and attorneys.
• Review incoming PTO communications and distribute materials to attorneys, patent agents, docketing personnel, and clients as appropriate.
• Maintain and update prosecution records in firm and client systems.
• Open new matters and assist with matter maintenance.
• Prepare client reports, status updates, and prosecution summaries as requested.
• Monitor client-specific requirements and filing procedures.
• Maintain electronic matter files and ensure records are complete and current.
• Respond to client inquiries regarding administrative aspects of patent matters.
• Work with docketing personnel to support timely handling of patent prosecution deadlines.
• Review upcoming deadlines and coordinate attorney responses.
• Assist in identifying and resolving scheduling or workflow issues that could affect filings.
• Monitor patent office correspondence and promptly route time-sensitive matters.
• Draft routine correspondence and client communications.
• Assist with billing-related activities, including time-entry review, matter maintenance, and client-specific billing requirements.
• Coordinate meetings, inventor interviews, and client calls as needed.
• Support special projects, reporting initiatives, and process improvement efforts within the patent practice.

Benefits

• The firm states that its culture has earned it a “100 Best Companies to Work For” honor for 27 consecutive years and highlights its commitment to innovation and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level