US Docket Legal Assistant - Crowell & Moring

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, intellectual property, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job Summary

The US Docket IP Legal Assistant provides electronic-based, timely, detailed, and accurate docketing support to the IP attorneys and staff.  The Assistant accurately maintains the docket records according to established policies and procedures, performs all functions relating to review of documents, and exercises discretion and confidentiality in maintaining contact with clients, attorneys and staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Reads, dockets, and distributes incoming mail from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), direct clients, and all other foreign government agencies and/or foreign associates, using electronic procedures.
• Responsible for docketing US Patent and Trademark correspondence and communications.
• Runs Flashdocket on a daily basis
• Confirms the accuracy of abandonment instructions and handles formal abandonment procedures in the docketing system for matter files.
• Runs complex queries, generates and formats Excel reports for internal and external clients. 
• Proofreads the work of others related to the docketing of routine correspondence (e.g. USPTO mail, client mail, and new matter requests.)
• Works as part of a team to identify, collectively distribute, and effectively complete all work received by the docketing department each day.
• Send out Patent and Trademark Extraordinary Event reminders (EEN’s)/ regular reminders and follow up with attorneys according to docketing procedures
• Maintains positive contact with attorneys, staff and observes confidentiality of Docketing Department and/or firm matters.
• Understands and is able to explain docketing policies, procedures as they relate to USPTO requirements. 
• Identifies the critical dates and key information in less commonly docketed documents and effectively protects the clients and the firm from docketing risks, even when there is no defined docketing departmental protocol.
• Performs other tasks or duties as assigned by the IP management team.

Education

The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree. Equivalent training and legal experience may substitute for education.

Experience

The position requires a minimum of one (1) year of docketing experience during which knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position were attained.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with clients, attorneys, and other support staff.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements, while maintaining an extremely high-level of accuracy.
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external contacts.
• Must possess a thorough command of the English language, including excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to apply technical knowledge or guidance, analyze and interpret data from several sources, solve problems by applying precedent or extrapolating from previous experience. 
• Intermediate knowledge of MS suite, particularly related to the use of Outlook features and Excel formatting.
• Proficiency in IP Manager and Private PAIR, EFS Web, TDSR.
• Willingness to work overtime as necessary and some flexibility in work schedule as required by workload.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits include healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, and all-purpose leave and progressive options such as back up childcare, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

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