Patent Litigation Legal Practice Assistant

Job Description:
The primary responsibility of the Patent Litigation Legal Practice Assistant is to provide highly varied and complex administrative support, with minimal supervision, to designated attorneys, other Legal team members.
In addition, as a member of the Perkins Coie LLP business professional team, this position is also responsible for promoting and maintaining the goodwill and reputation of the firm. In this capacity, the Legal Practice Assistant is expected to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
These essential functions are primary job duties that a Legal Practice Assistant must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Proactively maintain an overview of timekeepers' workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure each task is appropriately tracked and carried through to completion.
• Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents from dictation, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.
• Maintain timekeepers' calendars of meetings and business trips, using current software applications, and apprise them of responsibilities in advance of commitment.
• File paper and electronic documents with appropriate courts and agencies and ensure proper procedures are followed and deadlines are met.
• Receive, screen, and professionally transmit telephone and conference calls and take accurate telephone messages for timekeepers, clients, and staff as required.
• Process and route incoming mail, faxes, and electronic communications upon receipt.
• Prepare outgoing mail (including boxes/packages for shipment) for prompt delivery, arranging for messenger services as needed to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate with docketing specialist, including review of docketing reports for accuracy of dates, to ensure court or agency documents/actions for legal proceedings meet firm docketing requirements.
• Coordinate preliminary conflict checks with Professional Standards to ensure the attorney and firm's ability to represent the requesting party.
• Prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letters.
• Assist with the billing process, including daily time entry - entering, proofreading, spellchecking, and releasing - distribute monthly proformas, review and edit proformas, and prepare final with cover letter (if appropriate) in accordance with firm or department procedures.
• Prepare accounting documents as required, including check requests, expense and travel reimbursement requests, and trust documents.
• Coordinate client/attorney/administrative conferences, meetings, and appointments for timekeepers and clients, including conference room scheduling, scheduling visitor offices, meal preparation of materials, and arrangement with a third party if needed (e.g., court reporter/videographer).
• Coordinate travel arrangements, securing air, hotel, and car plans for timekeepers.
• Set up and maintain administrative and client files; file electronic and/or paper documents and information promptly and accurately.
• Maintain file organization and update indices (office dependent).
• Perform copying, scanning, and faxing tasks.
• Prepare notebooks as required.
• Assume responsibility for miscellaneous tasks and special projects as required.
• Conduct Internet research as directed by timekeepers.
• Occasionally assist timekeepers with personal work requests, defined in the firm manual as "acceptable tasks."
• Be familiar with and adhere to all firm policies.
• Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, arrive at work on time, and use time wisely during the workday.
• Keep supervisor informed of activities and any significant problems and/or all personal schedule changes; provide timely and accurate timecards regarding hours worked and days missed.
• Coordinate absences within workgroups; proactively assist timekeepers in the absence of the regular Legal Practice Assistant, and, when time permits, other Legal Practice Assistants.
• Adhere to the principles of client and firm confidentiality, as outlined in the confidentiality agreement signed at the time of hire.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Maintain a clean and uncluttered work area, being sure that confidential materials and valuable items are secure.
• Establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups.
• Strong command of the English language including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form, and style with the ability to accurately type 75-wpm
• Good knowledge of personal computer and system utilities or other comparable document production software and basic office equipment.
• Excellent organizational skills for prioritizing workload.
• Solid knowledge of library operations and records storage procedures for retrieving materials and files for casework.
• Knowledge of records management.
• Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous law firm experience of seven or more years.
• Notary certification is helpful.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals, dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.
This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid Holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.
This position may be filled in the following location(s). The compensation depends on qualifications and experience.
Washington State compensation range: $57,980 to $104,360 annually
#LI-Hybrid