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SalaryAbout Us
Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 15 offices and nearly 700 attorneys who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our commitment to our core values and dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment, allows the firm to attract and retain the brightest in the industry.
Job Overview
Blank Rome’s Washington, DC office is in need of a Professional Assistant to support the Intellectual Property attorneys in Intellectual Property and Technology group in delivering the highest level of service to internal and external clients alike. As a contributing team member, the Professional Assistant is proactive in balancing multiple work demands, taking personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work, and maintaining client and firm confidentiality. The Professional Assistant maintains a professional demeanor and focus and seeks to maximize team contribution and minimize disruptions to the workday.
This role has a hybrid working arrangement. Potential candidates must live within commuting distance of our Washington, DC office to be onsite 3 days per week. In this role, you will report to the Office Administrator.
Essential Functions
- Prepare USPTO forms for filing via PatentCenter.
- Prepare and file new US applications, responses, IDS, and formality documents.
- Prepare and send reporting letters to clients.
- Review and maintain attorney and personal dockets.
- Receive and review all incoming emails.
- Process, review and guide all inbound and outbound IP transfer requests.
- Save correspondence into firm DMS.
- Open new IP matters and prepare engagement letters.
- Create, edit, format, and proofread documents.
- Communicate to and on behalf of the attorneys using firm technology.
- Prepare new client matter request packets and coordinate approval; coordinate conflict search processes; and prepare retainer letters.
- Review proformas and edit bills according to client billing arrangement.
- Enter, track, and coordinate new client/matter information.
- Maintain InterAction and/or Extranet data.
- Maintain electronic and paper files in accordance with firm guidelines.
- Coordinate and/or book travel arrangements.
- Prepare, track, and maintain attorney expenses in Chrome River.
- Organize and coordinate conference calls and client meetings.
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
- Work additional hours as needed to fulfill job requirements.
The above essential functions represent the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion.
Skills/Qualifications
- 3+ years of IP Patent Prosecution in a law firm environment preferred.
- Associates degree preferred; Notary Public is a plus.
- Experience utilizing IP-specific and legal software (i.e. iManage, FoundationIP, PatentCenter, Elite, InTapp, ClaimMaster).
- Robust working knowledge of US Patent Prosecution practices and procedures.
- Experience with foreign Patent Prosecution preferred.
- Ability to draft correspondence.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to develop positive working relationships (in-person and virtually).
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective organizational skills.
- Proven problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication.
- Ability to read, create, proofread and transcribe documents.
- Ability to exchange information and receive instructions via phone and email.
- Ability to work in a high-pressure deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects, with a willingness to accept ownership of projects and be successful in driving those projects and daily tasks to a successful conclusion.
- Ability to identify, analyze, and troubleshoot issues.
- Ability to develop creative solutions, work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and collaborate with professionals at all levels preferred.
- Unquestioned integrity and professionalism.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), Chrome River, InterAction, and Carpe Diem.
- Proficient in web-based conference call/web-sharing applications.
General Expectations
- Promote positive work habits, including effective and timely communication, teamwork, and demonstrating respect for colleagues.
- Contribute to providing the highest quality of service to internal and external clients.
- Take appropriate initiative and ownership of job responsibilities while ensuring the assignments/job duties are performed successfully and on time.
- Understand and abide by firm policies and embrace firm values.
- Ability to maintain regular attendance and work regularly scheduled hours.
- Ability to sit for long periods of time, type, and handle light lifting (files, copy paper, etc.) in a professional office environment.
- Comply with safe work practices including compliance with the firm’s COVID-19 policies and safety measures.
EEO Statement
Blank Rome is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.
Our core values of respect for the individual, the community, and the law are clearly demonstrated in our ability to recruit and develop a diverse group of exceptionally talented attorneys and professional staff who enable us to best serve our clients and our communities.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Washington, DC 20006: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20006
