Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of an IP Practice Group Specialist to fill a full-time non-exempt position in its Chicago office. With over 400 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, fast-paced, and inclusive environment.
This role offers a dynamic blend of specialized administrative support for our Intellectual Property practice area, requiring a keen understanding of Patent practices and procedures, collaboration with legal professionals, and utilization of cutting-edge technologies like Anaqua and IPDAS databases. This position is ideal for candidates with a proactive approach to multitasking and problem-solving and provides an opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading intellectual property practice while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. The ideal candidate will be working with an exceptional team of IP professionals in an evolving field and environment fostering teamwork and collaboration with the ability to expand knowledge to other areas of IP prosecution, including but not limited to biotech patent work.
****Eligible to work up to five days remotely after a period of training.****
Job Responsibilities
- Provides specialized support to Patent group, with a thorough understanding of internal and external patent practices, procedures and requirements relating to all phases of clearing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing patents for Firm clients. Assists with trademark and copyright due diligence.
- Assists with all procedural aspects of patent prosecution including preparing shells for, and filing applications, responses, IDSs, transmittal documents, etc.
- Provides legal administrative support to assigned timekeepers, including calendaring, drafting, and editing standard correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents.
- Works with Firm IP Docketing team to ensure IP Department-specific databases are updated (Anaqua and IPDAS).
- Prepares and files documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) including applications, responses, assignments, powers of attorney, etc.
- Prepares status summary reports for attorneys and clients.
- Reviews, proofs, edits and processes client billing statements.
Job Requirements
- Must possess the ability to navigate various patent databases including (but not limited to) the USPTO.
- Familiarity with trademark, copyright, and patent processes and procedures, foreign and domestic.
- Must possess knowledge of the patent prosecution process, terminology, and associated deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software in a legal environment, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Experience and Education Qualifications
- Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent required. An Associate Degree is preferred.
- At least five (5) years of legal experience in the Intellectual Property practice area required.
Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance & ADD policies
- Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
- Parking/Transportation Stipend
- Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums, dependent care and medical reimbursement)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)
- Long Term Care
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60603