What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patent Practice Assistant (San Diego) position at Sheppard Mullin?
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 firm, is seeking a Patent Prosecution Practice Assistant.
We are hiring a proactive, motivated, and well-organized Patent Prosecution Practice Assistant to support life sciences and healthcare IP attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and practice specialists in all aspects of patent prosecution. The role will primarily assist paralegals and practice specialists with the team’s daily workflow tasks. The job requires general knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle various duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and development. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 years’ experience in U.S. patent prosecution.
Required Qualifications
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.
Computer/Software Knowledge
Must have proficiency in Windows 11, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.
Work Environment
We are hiring a proactive, motivated, and well-organized Patent Prosecution Practice Assistant to support life sciences and healthcare IP attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and practice specialists in all aspects of patent prosecution. The role will primarily assist paralegals and practice specialists with the team’s daily workflow tasks. The job requires general knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle various duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and development. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 years’ experience in U.S. patent prosecution.
Required Qualifications
- A minimum of 1-2 years of U.S. patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail, high degree of accuracy, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.
- Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear and concise communication skills.
- Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
- Proficient working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center.
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.
Computer/Software Knowledge
Must have proficiency in Windows 11, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.
Work Environment
- Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high-rise building).
- Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation.
- The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
- Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.
Salary : $23 - $36
