Paralegal

Purpose and Scope

Responsible for assisting in various types of litigation and legal matters pertaining to the organization and for providing assistance in the preparation of legal documents, research and compilation of data from various legal references as well as the preparation of drafts for contracts and maintenance of case filings and meeting minutes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain deadlines for patent and trademark files with input from outside law firms, including new applications, oppositions, maintenance and renewals.
• Work with finance department regarding asset maintenance, verification of legal expenses and other matters as requested.
• Work with sales and product development departments regarding international product registration, intellectual property research and other matters as requested.
• Coordinate legal matters with contract attorneys as necessary; assist contract attorneys as appropriate.
• Monitor activities of contract attorneys to ensure consistency, accountability and necessity.
• Provide input as requested for the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Perform research and prepare reports as required to provide management with background and recommendations on legal actions.
• Other projects as assigned by the Vice President General Counsel.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of the law as it applies to the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products:  Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong organizational and researching skills.

• Project management skills and an ability to multi-task and prioritize frequently changing needs.

• Ability to demonstrate good judgment and discretion.

• Ability to work with multiple interruptions and tight deadlines.

• Ability to be flexible with multiple projects and changing situations.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

• Sensitive to confidential information.

Education & Experience

• Graduate of a vocational/technical college with a certification as a paralegal or para-professional; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Three or more year’s experience as a paralegal; preferably managing patent and trademark matters; preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.