Trademark and Litigation Assistant at Butzel

GENERAL PURPOSE:  

Butzel is seeking an experienced Trademark and Litigation Assistant. The role requires an ability to handle multiple projects, and involves interaction with the Firm’s attorneys, clients, and foreign associates.  This role works closely with attorneys in serving our clients’ domestic and international brand creation and docket management in Trademarks as well as assist attorneys in the litigation process. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the preparation and prosecution of U.S. trademark applications, statements of use, renewals, descriptions of goods and services, specimens, transfers and assignments and filings relating to office actions.
• Assist in the prosecution of international trademarks via correspondence with foreign associates and national trademark offices.
• Assist attorneys with TTAB actions, including requests for extension of time to oppose, notices of opposition, and petitions for cancellation; correspond with foreign associates regarding similar actions overseas.
• Assist with trademark, patent and other litigation needs in state and federal courts;
• Prepare reporting letters for clients and foreign associates.
• Monitor and communicate with docket for trademark-related matters.
• Draft a variety of reports and legal litigation documents for which knowledge of legal terminology, civil procedure and discovery is required.
• Proofread and format briefs, pleadings and other legal documents with a demonstrated ability to file legal documents both traditionally and by electronic filing.
• Open and maintain legal files according to accepted legal practices and Firm policy.
• Provide case management assistance and tracking of litigation matters; compose a variety of correspondence and manage pleadings.
• Maintain attorney calendars by planning and scheduling conferences, teleconferences, depositions, and travel; record and monitor court appearance dates, pleadings, and filing requirements; monitor evidence-gathering; anticipate changes in litigation or transaction preparation requirements.
• Assist team members and provide general office support daily.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Possess exceptional written, verbal, organizational and project management skills.
• Strong emphasis on attention to detail.
• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and an uncompromising commitment to professionalism.
• Broad understanding of intellectual property concepts, substantive trademark and copyright law; USPTO rules and procedures.

• Knowledge of the preparation and processing requirements of legal documents, legal terminology, civil procedures and discovery, sources of law, and the court system.
• Possess excellent proofreading, grammar and editing skills.
• Responsible, organized, detail-oriented, and a problem solver.
• Knowledgeable regarding federal and state court filings (including e-filing); able to generate TOC and TOA.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with the following software programs preferred: Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Professional; knowledge of SurePoint and Concur is a plus.
• Familiarity with trademark docketing systems (Anaqua preferred)
• Fast-paced work requires high production skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Professional approach when interacting with individuals internally and externally (i.e. Firm employees, clients, opposing counsel, Clerks).
• Ability to use good judgment to make decisions appropriate to level of responsibilities.
• Ability to learn new skills and systems quickly.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING:

• Three to five years of relevant work experience in a law firm.