Patent Paralegal

We have an exciting opportunity for a Patent Paralegal in the Austin or San Diego office at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP. We are searching for someone who wants to be a valued contributor and member of a talented and dynamic team of lawyers, paralegals and business professionals.
The Patent Paralegal is responsible for assisting partners, associates and patent agents in all aspects of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, including preparing and filing patent applications and prosecution documents via electronic filing systems, data collection and review, and utilizing document management databases.
Responsibilities and Duties:

• Responsible for a wide range of duties relating to both U.S. and foreign patent applications at all phases of prosecution.
• Monitors and manages the patent prosecution docket ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely matter and docket updates are communicated to the docketing team.
• Prepares files and maintains official correspondence using the Firm's standards and procedures. Official correspondence includes, but is not limited to, information disclosure statements, formality documents, foreign attorney instructions, office action responses, assignments and fee payment instructions.
• Manages client portfolios, including maintaining electronic files, preparing, maintaining status reports, and prior-art charts.
• Ensures the accuracy and completeness of application information and formalities. Obtains and files outstanding documentation such as priority documents, powers of attorney, assignments, formal drawings and coordinates document legalization needed to comply with patent office requirements.
• Assists with portfolio transfers including review of the electronic file history and submission of power of attorney documents.
• Serves as a contact for client billing and communication, including reviewing bills for appropriate fee agreements and billing rates.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A Bachelor's degree is required from an accredited college or university and a paralegal certificate from accredited program.
• Three to five years of formal Patent Paralegal experience is required. Experience working as a Patent Paralegal in a large law firm or IP law department is required. Experience in multinational or global law firm a plus.
• Solid attention to detail, strong organizational and prioritization skills, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong working knowledge of US and international patent law and practice including filings; familiarity with CPI docketing database or other comparable patent docketing database.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills; ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects and manage dockets and deadlines.
• Ability to anticipate problems and issues and exercise independent judgment for resolution.
• Excellent Microsoft office skills. Ability to learn firm technology quickly and thoroughly, and use it efficiently.

This is a hybrid role and will require on-site presence 3 days per week. Salary is commensurate with years of relevant experience & geographic location. The range for this position is $60,000 - $100,000.
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our Firm and in the larger legal profession. We believe that diverse skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger firm. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP maintains a policy of affording all employees and applicants equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, domestic violence victim status, ancestry, amnesty, citizenship status, ethnicity, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation will not be tolerated in any of the Firm's offices or any other work-related setting. Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a position or to enable them to perform the essential functions of a position for which they are otherwise qualified. EEO.