Intellectual Property Legal Assistant

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is looking for a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Milwaukee or Madison office! The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group. Prior experience as an IP legal assistant with an emphasis in the patent field and experience supporting IP attorneys is preferred.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Prepare and format confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, USPTO filings, and reports
• Organize and maintain electronic files
• Liaison with foreign associates
• Respond to and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software, Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Assist in tracking continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Docket maintenance and tracking of reports with IP software.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• IP: 5 years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in the Intellectual Property practice areas
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention to detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents
• Current notary public in good standing or willingness to gain certification
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Technology Requirements:

• Technology literacy and willingness to learn innovative technologies and software
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in the following software a plus:
• Anaqua or similar electronic IP docketing/reporting software
• iManage or similar electronic document management system
• DocuSign or similar e-signature program
• iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
• Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software
• CourtAlert for TTAB tracking
• NAD filings

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firm evolve
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure with varying deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up

Collaboration:

• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in our team environment, across various groups and/or locations

Problem Solving Skills

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position can be based in our Madison or Milwaukee office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.