Patent Legal Assistant

About the Job

Brooks Kushman P.C. is seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant to join our intellectual property team. This position will provide high-level support to attorneys across all aspects of U.S. and international patent prosecution, including application preparation and filing, prosecution correspondence, docket management, and portfolio maintenance.

The ideal candidate has significant patent prosecution experience, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and electronically file U.S. and PCT patent applications and related prosecution documents.
• Prepare Declarations, Assignments, Application Data Sheets, Information Disclosure Statements, Office Action response documents, and other patent prosecution materials.
• Prepare IDS filings and cross-reference references across extensive patent families.
• Review issued patents for accuracy and prepare Requests for Certificates of Correction when necessary.
• Review incoming USPTO, WIPO, foreign associate, and client correspondence and identify appropriate next steps.
• Prepare shell documents and working materials for attorney review.
• Draft client reporting correspondence and other substantive communications under attorney direction.
• Coordinate with foreign counsel regarding international patent matters.
• Review and update patent docket information and proactively monitor upcoming deadlines.
• Work closely with attorneys and other members of the patent prosecution team to ensure deadlines and client requirements are met.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic matter files.
• Perform intellectual property research and other administrative or legal support responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five to seven years of legal assistant experience, with substantial patent prosecution experience strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution practices and procedures.
• Experience preparing and filing patent prosecution documents and managing prosecution deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, proofreading, organizational, and document-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, docketing personnel, and other firm professionals.
• Strong judgment and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing next steps.

Why Work With Us

Brooks Kushman offers experienced legal professionals the opportunity to build their careers in a firm focused on intellectual property law. Our professionals work alongside attorneys and colleagues handling sophisticated IP matters for innovative companies and organizations.

• IP-focused practice. Work with attorneys and professionals dedicated to intellectual property law.
• Sophisticated patent work. Support U.S. and international patent portfolios and a broad range of prosecution matters.
• Collaborative environment. Be part of a team that values communication, knowledge sharing, and exceptional client service.
• Meaningful responsibility. Experienced team members are trusted to manage important aspects of patent prosecution and help keep matters moving efficiently.
• Professional growth. Continue developing your IP knowledge and skills while working with experienced patent professionals.

Brooks Kushman extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.