Senior IP Legal Assistant (2–5 Years)

Hylton-Rodic Law•Washington, DC

1d•$35 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

Hylton-Rodic Law, a boutique intellectual property law firm serving biotechnology, pharmaceutical, university, and life sciences innovators, is seeking an experienced IP Legal Assistant. This role is crucial for managing sophisticated patent prosecution matters for clients developing new medicines, therapies, and scientific breakthroughs. The position involves direct collaboration with attorneys to ensure patent matters proceed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. Successful candidates will demonstrate ownership of their work, manage competing deadlines, and proactively advance complex legal matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; degrees in legal studies, biology, chemistry, engineering, or another scientific discipline are preferred.
2-5 years of experience as an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant or Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant.
Current experience supporting U.S. patent prosecution within an intellectual property law firm is required.
Experience preparing and coordinating USPTO filings, correspondence, docket management, and patent prosecution workflows.
Experience communicating professionally with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO.
Demonstrated ability to manage numerous deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent written communication, organization, and time management skills.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal practice management software.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting international patent prosecution.
Experience with AppColl or comparable IP docketing software.
Experience working in a boutique intellectual property law firm.
Familiarity with patent prosecution procedures, USPTO practice, IDS filings, Information Disclosure Statements, formal documents, assignments, and related prosecution workflows.

Responsibilities

Manage patent prosecution matters from intake through ongoing prosecution.
Maintain and update docketing systems to ensure deadlines are accurately tracked and met.
Prepare, review, and coordinate U.S. and foreign patent prosecution filings.
Coordinate correspondence with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO.
Support attorneys with filings, reporting, and administrative aspects of patent prosecution.
Open new matters, maintain electronic files, and ensure accurate matter management.
Monitor deadlines, identify potential issues proactively, and help keep matters moving without unnecessary follow-up.
Collaborate with attorneys and fellow legal assistants to continuously improve workflows and client service.