Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program (Entry-Level Legal Training)

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training is a one-of-a-kind training program for Project Assistant positions on the Prosecution Support Services team, which consists of Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments. This is an 8-week hands-on training program that includes classroom lectures and learning, hands-on practice, presentations from industry experts, and support from experienced mentors. The program runs in-person from July 6 to August 28. Employees are expected to be present for all 8 weeks with no vacation plans during the training, barring sickness and family emergencies. After the training, Project Assistants are expected to be in the office at least 2-3 days per week depending on department need. Successful candidates will transition to a full-time job as a Prosecution Support Services Project Assistant, supporting various departments and eventually transitioning to a specific department. This role is suited for individuals with office or customer service experience interested in a career in legal support focused on intellectual property.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or high school graduate with some college study
Experience working in an office or customer service environment, where attention to detail, multitasking, and problem-solving were key to your success
Superior analytical and organizational abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to receive and process constructive feedback
Ability to follow and effectively execute instructions
Work effectively under pressure
Proven independent study habits
Interest in beginning a career in intellectual property law with potential to grow.
3-4 years’ commitment to the role with no law school or grad school plans in the near future.

Responsibilities

Processing corrections/revisions of docket related information in firm databases and department records as instructed.
Processing and docketing due dates for incoming correspondence related to U.S. and foreign matters as instructed and on a daily basis in accordance with department procedures and service level agreements.
Updating docket based on docket clearing instructions received by email, daily docket, docket reports, or other methods, in accordance with department procedures.
Preparing and reviewing correspondence to and from clients, foreign associates, WIPO, USPTO, and vendors regarding new applications, formal requirements, filing details, allowance and grant, maintenance, etc.
Reviewing and profiling incoming emails from foreign associates.
Assisting with obtaining certification/legalization of formal legal documents.
Preparing documents related to various phases of U.S. patent prosecution, including but not limited to formal documents, new applications, Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), checklists, and other documents needed to complete the U.S. patent prosecution process.
Handling special client reporting and docket maintenance in accordance with standard firm and current client procedures.
Proofreading legal documents for errors utilizing approved firm tools.