Patent Practice Assistant (Legal Assistant/Secretary)

Stoel Rives LLP has an immediate opening for a Patent Practice Assistant in our Seattle office. This position provides legal and administrative support to patent attorneys in the Technology & Intellectual Property practice group. This position reports to the Practice Assistant Supervisor ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Client Service Communicate with clients and outside counsel via phone and email; work with clients to obtain signatures on legal documents; coordinate client travel for in-person meetings and hearings; and coordinate client holiday cards and gifts. Timekeeping and Billing Proofread, and close timekeepers’ time entries in billing software; review, proofread, distribute, and track proformas and client invoices; manage complex proformas, incorporate edits, and mail out client invoices as needed; research and resolve billing problems and questions from clients and accounting as needed; and process expense reports and invoice disbursement requests. Word Processing Keyboard correspondence and simple to complex legal documents and forms from transcription, handwritten drafts, or notes; apply track changes, formatting, and styles; proofread, format, edit, label and redact documents; transcribe voice mail messages; and compare documents using document comparison software and produce redline comparison. Patent Support Request and review new docket records; review docket reports and relay docket instructions; monitor incoming U.S. Patent Office and foreign associate correspondence for urgent items; conduct patent and assignment database searches; facilitate compliance with document storage or docketing in client IT systems; maintain reference database for information disclosure statements; create and track fixed fee and other client invoices; request, track, and instruct maintenance fee and annuity payments. Teamwork Work with and provide coverage for practice assistant team during times of need, such as heavy workload and unplanned or planned absences; delegate and coordinate projects with support departments; assist coworkers and timekeepers with questions related to technology or firm procedure; and participate in team meetings. File and Document Management Scan, copy, fax, print, and organize documents; request and review conflicts reports; open new client/matters using firm’s electronic records system; maintain electronic and physical files; retrieve documents from document management system and hard copy files; prepare and maintain notebooks; and transmit voluminous electronic documents via secure file sharing website. Other Administrative Support Maintain timekeepers’ calendars and; review documents and correspondence for important deadlines and information; maintain Outlook and Interaction contacts and working lists; distribute internal and external mail electronically and/or by hard copy; schedule meetings and coordinate reservations for conference rooms and lunches; track Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits and prepare compliance reports to state bar associations; prepare and submit appropriate request form for business development or professional development expense approval; answer phone calls and relay phone messages; arrange travel; update and maintain practice group page on the firm’s intranet; and comply with firm policies, including confidentiality, insider trading issues, etc. Other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES Keep personally identifiable information, personal health information, and attorney/client privileged information confidential; prioritize daily responsibilities and special projects and readjust as priorities change; coordinate resources to meet deadlines; perform multiple tasks in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment; maintain a calm, courteous, and professional demeanor at all times; be a constant-learner, flexible, proactive, efficient and resourceful; take initiative, and follow through; solve problems; work independently and in an interactive team environment; have prompt, regular, and predictable attendance; have strong organizational, grammar, and proofreading skills; pay attention to detail; have outstanding interpersonal and client service skills; have clear, effective, and professional verbal and written communication skills; and be proficient and fluent in reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Technical Knowledge Accurately type 50 wpm Proficiency in common office software, including Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat Experience with law firm software, such as iManage, Emburse, Laurel, Aderant, Intapp, Rendezvous, Box, Workshare Compare, Metadata Assistant, and InterAction is preferred Physical/Mental Capabilities Operate a telephone, personal computer, and all types of photocopy equipment and other necessary office equipment; read and comprehend handwritten and typed notes or instructions; type on a computer keyboard in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time during a 7.5‑hour workday; learn and effectively use firm style and software applications; accurately proofread documents; accurately record and deliver phone messages; carry files, binders, and pouches of files for short distances. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE High school diploma or GED equivalent At least two years of experience providing legal administrative support in an intellectual property practice, preferably in the area of patent law Certificate or college degree in administrative assistant, legal assistant/secretary, or paralegal program, or related field in lieu of one year of work experience Basic understanding of accounting is a plus NORMAL WORK HOURS This is a hybrid position, non-exempt, and eligible for overtime compensation. Regular office hours are 8:30 - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. How You Will Live Life Well at Stoel Rives: Compensation, Benefits, and More! The pay range for this position is $59,000 - $98,000; however, the base compensation presented to a candidate may vary based on skills and overall experience. This salary range is based on market location. In addition to base compensation, Stoel Rives has a total rewards program that includes an annual discretionary bonus and rich benefits offerings. For example, our benefits offerings include paid family & medical leave, competitive PTO, and remote work options. We offer competitive and robust medical, dental, vision, life long-term disability, AD&D, EAP, FSA and Voluntary Life, ADD, and LTC options. We also provide a generous firm-contributed health savings account, a pre-tax transportation/parking plan including an employer monthly subsidy of $100 for individuals who work 3 days/week in the office, and an annual contribution into the employee’s retirement plan. No recruiters please. Stoel Rives is a leading U.S. corporate and litigation law firm providing sophisticated business clients high quality legal services. With offices in seven states and Washington, D.C., Stoel Rives is a nationally recognized leader in project finance and the energy and natural resources industries. From deals and disputes to compliance and counseling, clients turn to Stoel Rives for their most complex business challenges. Learn more at www.stoel.com.

Salary : $100