Senior IP Legal Assistant

Intellectual Property Legal Assistant (Patent Prosecution)

Location: Washington, DC

Employment Type: Full-Time

A well-established boutique intellectual property law firm is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Legal Assistant to support a dynamic patent prosecution practice. This position is ideal for a highly organized legal professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working with attorneys, innovators, and clients advancing cutting-edge technologies.

What You'll Do

• Prepare, review, and file U.S. patent prosecution documents with the USPTO.
• Manage patent dockets, monitor deadlines, and coordinate prosecution workflows.
• Draft and process correspondence, formal documents, assignments, and Information Disclosure Statements (IDS).
• Communicate with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO regarding patent matters.
• Maintain organized case files and ensure timely completion of all filings.
• Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys throughout the patent prosecution process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; degrees in Legal Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or other scientific disciplines are a plus.
• 2–5 years of experience as an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant or Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant.
• Current experience supporting U.S. patent prosecution in an intellectual property law firm.
• Strong understanding of USPTO procedures and patent prosecution workflows.
• Experience with docket management and legal practice management software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred Experience

• International patent prosecution support.
• AppColl or similar IP docketing software.
• Boutique intellectual property law firm experience.
• Familiarity with IDS filings, assignments, formal documents, and other patent prosecution procedures.