Patent Practice Assistant (San Diego)

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 100 firm, is seeking a Patent Prosecution Practice Assistant. We prefer candidates who can work from our San Diego office, but will consider other candidates who can work from one of our other U.S. offices. The other offices we are considering are: Del Mar, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, and Century City. There is only one opening.

Job Summary

The Practice Assistant will support life science and healthcare IP attorneys, patent agents, paralegals and practice specialists in all aspects of patent prosecution. They will mainly assist paralegals and practice specialists with the team's daily workflow tasks. The job requires 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. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and development. The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 years of experience in patent prosecution.

Essential Functions

• Assist with submitting conflict checks and opening new matters, including preparation of engagement letters and management of client and case documents. 
• Review and organize documents, files, and emails and ensure they are properly filed in First-to-File and NetDocs, according to the Firm’s filing protocols.
• Assist with maintaining client’s ShareFile spaces
• Maintain working knowledge of client guidelines, procedures, and preferences.
• Research across patent databases such as USPTO, WIPO, Espacenet, and other foreign patent offices
• Prepare new application papers such as Application Data Sheets
• Prepare and send formal documents to inventors for signature, ensure timely receipt of signed documents, record and file formal documents with the USPTO. 
• Assist with drafting reporting letters for USPTO mail
• File US Powers of Attorney for transferred-in files and assist with transfer-in tasks related to new clients
• Research case files, both US and foreign
• Assist with running reports from firm’s docketing program
• Assist with client projects
  
  

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. 
  
  

Education

High school diploma. Some college or bachelor’s degree 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.
  
  

California: The pay range for this position is $25.00 to $46.00 per hour.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.