Patent Paralegal I

Role Overview

The Patent Paralegal I will assist attorneys, secretaries, and other legal staff with preparation of basic legal documents, proofreading and editing documents, performing routine legal research, and general administrative assignments. The role involves participation in training and developmental opportunities to assume more substantive legal secretarial assignments.

Shift options: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Candidates applying for the later shift may be eligible for additional scheduling flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of court filings and organization of 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 for expense advancement, reimbursement, and invoice payments.
• Coordinate travel and meeting logistics, including scheduling, arranging videoconferences, conference calls, and conference rooms; requesting equipment and food and beverage orders; preparing 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 all client communications are relayed accurately and timely.
• Organize and maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with Firm records retention policies.
• Complete training to assist attorneys with monitoring docket and prepare for deadlines.
• Complete core training/cross-training, skills assessments, and related development in all IP secretarial support areas, including litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, as assigned.
• Embrace new processes and incorporate new technology to meet client demands as they evolve.
• Attend and actively participate in all secretarial and team meetings.
• May be required to provide backup for reception.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity or willingness to learn databases.
• Familiarity with the Internet/Intranet and using the internet for research.

Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to efficiently handle multiple tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication (including spelling and grammar) and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible attitude and the ability to deal well with changing assignments and priorities and a rapid, yet variable, pace of work.
• Willingness to learn and acquire advanced duties and provide support to varied team members.

Location: Dallas, TX (hybrid/onsite)

Base annual pay range: $30.77 per hour / ~$60,000 equivalent.