About the job
Merchant & Gould , one of the nation's premier intellectual property law firms, is seeking an Intellectual Property Paralegal Manager (hybrid). This position will be located in our Minneapolis location.
Job Functions:
Analyze and assess the effectiveness of paralegal functions/processes to provide recommendations that support the business strategic plan, achieve business objectives and streamline business functions. Provide training to new and current employees on the systems, policies and procedures for the Intellectual Property Paralegals.
Assists in the preparation, prosecution and filing of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications, utility patent, design patent, and utility model (hereinafter generally described as "patent") applications in foreign countries including research regarding requirements of specific countries.
Assists in the preparation and filing of design patent, and utility patent applications in the United States.
Managerial Essential Functions (50%):

• Oversee and manage activities related to process improvement projects for Intellectual Property Paralegals.
• Develop implementation plan, allocate and coordinate resources and monitor project progress.
• Design educational materials/presentations, including manuals, handouts and electronic documents to ensure trainees effectively learn material.
• Identify training needs for employee groups. Facilitate and deliver training to IP Paralegals. Responsible for coaching and development and following up with employees regarding their training needs.
• Acts as a resource for firm's software programs.
• Other tasks and projects as assigned.

Intellectual Property Paralegal Responsibilities (50%):
1. Establishes and maintains foreign and domestic patent files: opens files, prepares paperwork for filing including specifications, claims, abstracts, drawings and formal documents.
2. Prepares cover letters to foreign associates detailing instructions for filing application.
3. Reviews all incoming correspondence from foreign associates for essential docketing and for non-substantive responses due.
4. On-going verbal and written communication with foreign associates and attorneys during filing and prosecution of foreign patent applications.
5. Assists attorneys in on-going procedural aspects of prosecution.
6. Maintains and updates foreign filing docket.
7. Establishes and maintains good working relationship with attorneys and staff, but is not assigned to any single attorney. Will work as a team member with other IP Paralegals to establish back-up and workflow and will have joint responsibility for establishing quality control measures.
8. As appropriate, prepares estimates of filing, prosecution and maintenance costs.
9. Other tasks and projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• BA degree and paralegal certificate or equivalent experience with some relevant work experience or a minimum of 5 years on-the-job experience with foreign and U.S. prosecution filing
• 2 years managerial experience
• Experience in developing implementations plans, monitoring and reporting progress of projects
• Knowledge of firm software programs (i.e. 3E, Paperless Proforma, Microsoft Office Suite, Memotech, DMS, Docketing Portal etc.)
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to anticipate and balance the workload of the office
• Recognizes and utilizes the firm's resources effectively and efficiently
• May require travel on occasion
• Ability to work independently and meet critical deadlines under supervision of attorney.
• Work occasionally requires a high level of mental effort and stress while organizing and maintaining multiple cases.
• Regular attendance at work.

We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including: a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, and ten firm holidays.
Merchant & Gould provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We welcome candidates with disabilities. If you need any accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 1-612-332-5300.