IP Client Services Specialist - Shook, Hardy and Bacon

The Intellectual Property Client Services Specialist provides non-billable administrative support and serves as the internal and external primary point of contact, subject matter expert and client service liaison to ensure compliance with client guidelines and matter management requirements. The Intellectual Property Client Services Specialist works collaboratively with a variety of internal and external personnel to streamline workflows and identify ways to improve processes.





Stays abreast of industry best practices to proactively recommend, develop, implement, communicate and update internal client-specific processes, procedures, guidelines and practices to increase efficiencies and enhance client service.



Actively stays up-to-date on all USPTO procedures, practices, and developments to communicate and institutionalize such throughout the firm's processes and procedures.



Communicates with USPTO, clients, attorneys, professional staff, foreign associates and other third parties to obtain filing instructions and manage domestic and foreign patent filings, communications, deadlines, and client procedures.



Generates and monitors daily docket of deadlines to ensure deadlines are met and system is properly updated; works with docketing team to prepare status and docket reports for clients; corresponds with foreign associates and clients regarding foreign filing dates.



Assists in quality assurance review for patent filings by noting, investigating and referring any errors or omissions to attorneys.



Develops and implements client-specific quality management plans, including documentation and training to ensure all objectives of the firm and client are met; policies and processes are followed; and client requirements are satisfied.



Takes an active, assertive role in projects to provide key support in the training, work assignment, and quality control monitoring of intellectual property professional staff.



Facilitates preparation and consistency of inventor formal documents and process for obtaining inventor signatures for internal/USPTO documents.



Performs proofreading and tracking duties to ensure daily tasks (such as filings with the USPTO or meeting client requirements) are carried out timely and with a high level of accuracy.



Provides billing support to billing attorneys and billing & collection team members to meet firm and client-billing requirements (e.g., pro-forma review).



Works independently on special projects, as needed.

Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two year college or technical school and at least two years of patent and trademark prosecution experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Skills:
Comprehensive understanding of the US and Foreign patent & trademark lifecycles, including deadlines, patent prosecution rules, and post-grant procedures.

Ability to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and priorities, work under tight deadlines, and handle multiple, detailed tasks.

Ability to follow complex instructions and relay accurately and concisely to team members.

Comprehensive knowledge of specific intellectual property prosecution and client guidelines, practices and procedures.

Meticulous attention to detail and ability to be a proactive, self-starter who understands the details within a much larger context.

Superior analytical and problem solving skills with strong focus on developing and re-engineering processes.

Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and information tracking.

Extensive technical knowledge with demonstrated ability to leverage technology to facilitate work.

Ability to collaborate and communicate in an effective matter with attorneys, clients and co-workers.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled