Legal Assistant - entry level

U.S. IP Assistant – Entry Level

Locations: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, or San Francisco
Compensation: $60,000–$72,000 annually (location‐based)

Hybrid Schedule: 3 days in office weekly

The U.S. IP Assistant provides administrative and patent prosecution support with minimal supervision. This role is responsible for managing USPTO correspondence, preparing and filing required documents, maintaining deadlines and a personal docket, coordinating with timekeepers and clients, and ensuring adherence to firm and client procedures. The position plays a key role in supporting the IP Department and maintaining a high standard of client service.

Essential Responsibilities

• Review, report, and distribute USPTO correspondence to clients
• Review and report Office Actions
• Support client portal activity, including document retrieval and reporting
• Prepare and electronically file USPTO submissions
• Record time for completed tasks when applicable
• Process foreign invoices via Chrome River
• Assist with billing and expense reimbursement
• Provide support on additional projects and assignments from timekeepers and management

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to meet departmental quality and productivity expectations
• Strong ownership mindset with proactive issue resolution
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
• Sound judgment and problem‐solving skills under pressure
• Professional, direct, and respectful communication style
• Ability to identify risk issues and escalate appropriately
• Commitment to confidentiality and accuracy
• Ability to interpret written and verbal instructions and synthesize complex information
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong communication skills across all levels of the firm
• Ability to learn new software quickly; strong technical aptitude
• Proficiency in Word and Outlook; basic familiarity with Excel and PowerPoint; some exposure to docketing systems preferred
• Chinese language preferred

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience may substitute

Experience: Entry‐level; no prior experience required

PTO:

• Year 1: 4 weeks PTO + 10 holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Years 2–4: 5 weeks PTO + 10 holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Year 5+: 6 weeks PTO + 10 holidays + 1 floating holiday

Profit Sharing: Eligible after 2 years at 7.5%