Senior IP Legal Assistant (2–5 Years)

Hylton-Rodic Law•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hylton-Rodic Law is a boutique intellectual property law firm serving biotechnology, pharmaceutical, university, and life sciences innovators. We are seeking an experienced IP Legal Assistant to join our growing legal team and help manage sophisticated patent prosecution matters for clients developing tomorrow's medicines, therapies, and scientific breakthroughs. This position works directly with attorneys and plays a critical role in ensuring patent matters move accurately, efficiently, and on time. Successful candidates will be comfortable taking ownership of their work, managing competing deadlines, and proactively keeping complex legal matters on track. If you're looking for meaningful legal work, greater ownership, and a firm that values both professional excellence and personal well-being, we'd love to meet you.

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.