Intellectual Property Legal Assistant - Benesch Law

Who We Are

At Benesch we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations and building trust not only with our clients but with our employees - Benesch's #1 asset. Committed to providing not only the highest level of legal service to our clients, Benesch also aspires to create a positive work environment for our employees. Our Firm continues to earn placement on Chicago and Cleveland's Top Workplaces list, along with Cleveland's NorthCoast 99 Top Workplaces rankings. We also continue to advance on the AmLaw 150 list, placing us among the top 150 law firms in the country.

Benesch is proud to be recognized for being a Firm that attracts and retains top talent - making Benesch a great place to work. We offer a hybrid schedule, career development and growth, transparent and visible leadership teams, and a place where diversity, equity and inclusion is celebrated. In addition, the Firm offers a full array of benefits which can be viewed at www.mybeneschbenefits.com.

Working with Us - Come and "Be Benesch!"

We are one of the fastest growing firms in the nation, and have offices in Chicago, Columbus, San Francisco, New York City, and Wilmington. We continue to expand our geographic footprint and value the talent that comprises each of our locations. If you are someone who champions a First in Service approach and are ready to be part of an exciting and growing Firm, we would invite you to apply to join our team.

Want to know more? To hear from some of our team, click here: https://www.beneschlaw.com/careers/index.html

Benesch is proud to announce the opening for an Intellectual Property Legal Assistant in our Cleveland office! This position is hybrid and has work from home flexibility.

Position Summary:

Our Intellectual Property group has an amazing opportunity for an IP Legal Assistant who is looking for a position wherein they can be an involved member of a team. This role is perfect for the Legal Assistant who is looking to do more, take on complex responsibilities and work with a cutting-edge group of attorneys in one of the nation's fastest growing law firms.

The Legal Assistant plays a key role in providing support to their assigned attorneys as well as coordinating travel, calendaring and other support needs. The attorneys are looking for a contributor who wants to expand their skill set and grow with the department. This position plays an integral part of the IP team and handles complex and specialized matters including extensive filings and project work.

Essential Functions:

1. Prepare, revise and proofread various foreign and domestic patent and trademark applications and patent documents including filings, responses, amendments, Information Disclosure Statements, patent issuance memos, patent prosecution portfolios and agreements inclusive of non-disclosure, material transfer, joint development, licensing, sponsorship and endorsements, etc.
2. Prepare transmittal forms during all stages of patent and trademark for attorney review.
3. Correspond and communicate with foreign associates to determine quotes, new application filings, patent prosecution procedures as necessary and ensure client is current with all matter information.
4. Working knowledge of e-filing procedures of patents and trademarks with the USPTO.
5. Create and maintain client and administrative files in accordance with firm procedures, including within the document management system.
6. Schedule appointments including meeting invites, video conference details, conference room requests, meal requests etc. and maintains attorney's calendar.
7. Enter and release attorney's billable time in accordance with firm guidelines. Review proformas for billings received from the Accounting Department to clients for services rendered.
8. Perform initial conflict checks and open/close client matters and prepare engagement letters.
9. Monitor case deadlines and work with Docket Department to ensure deadlines are entered and met.
10. Coordinate travel arrangements and track travel expenses for timely reimbursement.
11. Communicate professionally and promptly with internal and external clients to deliver a high level of customer service, consistent with the Firm's "First in Service" philosophy.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Proactively participates as a member of the practice group support coverage team.
2. Completion of the Legal Technology Core Competencies Certification Coalition (LTC4) Program to ensure technology efficiency.
3. Stay current in the use of all firm systems and practices.
4. May require overtime or weekend hours.
5. Perform additional office support duties as assigned/requested.

Confidentiality:

Due to the nature of your employment, various documents and information, which are of confidential nature, will come into your possession. Such documents and information must be kept confidential at all times.

Qualifications:

Legal Assistants must have a High School Diploma in addition to three years of intellectual property experience, inclusive of patent prosecution and patent litigation experience. Must be able to handle multiple priorities at one time, work well with others and have excellent communication skills. Comprehensive knowledge in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and PDF software. Experience with InTapp Time, Intapp Open, Chrome River Expense Reporting, Aderant, Interaction, iManage are pluses. Must possess an excellent customer service attitude.

Benesch is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Benesch Human Resources Department by phone at 216-363-4578 or email at cwatson@beneschlaw.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities