Legal Assistant - Intellectual Property (IP)

Are you looking for:

A firm where your work is substantive, your contributions are valued, and your growth is supported?

A stable, people-focused workplace with long-tenured colleagues, accessible leadership, and a year-end bonus opportunity?

Strong benefits from day one and a culture that respects your life outside the office?

Let Us Introduce Ourselves

Lippes Mathias is one of the nation's 200 largest law firms, with 400 professionals across 17 offices nationwide, including 230 attorneys. We've built a full-service business law practice with a national footprint and deep roots in each community we serve by investing in people who want to grow alongside the firm.

Joining our team means stepping into a culture that prioritizes accessible leadership, meaningful growth opportunities, and a work environment that respects your life outside the office. Support for our employees is something we take very seriously. In fact, "supportive" was the top word our employees used to describe our work environment on a recent anonymous survey.

We recognize that our firm would grind to a halt without the steadfast work of professionals like you, and that's why we've made it our commitment to cultivate and maintain an environment where you feel seen and supported. You'll work as a member of a team, not just for one.

If you're considering a move and wondering whether it's worth it, we'd like to make the case that it is. If you've been looking for a firm where the quality of the culture is surpassed only by the quality of the work, you may have found it.

Why You'll Love Working Here

We offer competitive pay, a year-end bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental & vision, beginning your first month

Immediate eligibility for 401(k) and profit-sharing plan

Paid parental leave

Long-term disability (firm-paid)

Life/AD&D insurance

For roles at our downtown locations, firm-arranged parking is available. We also keep the break room stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages.

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join our Intellectual Property Law Group. In this role, you will provide critical support to attorneys handling patent and trademark matters across all stages of prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. The ideal candidate brings hands-on IP experience and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision and timeliness are essential.

What You'll Do

Prepare, file, and manage patent and trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including responses to office actions, declarations, and assignments

US/PCT/Foreign application preparation/filing (USPTO, ePCT, foreign counsel)

Monitor and docket all incoming communications, as appropriate

Monitor and maintain patent and trademark docketing calendars to ensure all deadlines and statutory due dates are met

Conduct trademark searches and assist with clearance analyses

Draft and proofread correspondence, legal documents, and filings related to IP prosecution matters

Coordinate with foreign associates and agents on international patent and trademark filings

Maintain organized electronic and physical files for all IP matters

Assist attorneys with preparation of Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) and prior art references

Track renewal and maintenance fee deadlines for patents and trademark registrations

Communicate with clients, the USPTO, and other parties regarding case status and filing requirements

Prepare office action shells, related documents (RCEs, Terminal Disclaimers, AFCPs, etc.) and file responses

Prepare response shells to notices regarding: formalities/insufficiencies/defects and related documents (Communications to IB, USPTO, replacement figures) and file responses (USPTO/ePCT)

Prepare information disclosure statements, review of cross-related families for art citations as needed

Prepare formal documents/chain of title; file/record

Support attorneys with IP due diligence, litigation holds, and special projects as needed

What We're Looking For

Associate's degree or bachelor's degree required; paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred

3+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably in intellectual property law (patent and/or trademark prosecution)

Proficiency in Office365, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Experience with IP docketing software (e.g., CPi, Foundation IP, or similar platforms) strongly preferred

Familiarity with USPTO filing systems, including EFS-Web/Patent Center and TEAS/TEASi

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Professional written and verbal communication skills

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Compensation

Salary range: $28-$35/hour. This is a good-faith estimate for the position based on location and minimum criteria. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and other job-related factors as permitted by law.

To learn more about Lippes Mathias, visit our recruiting website: https://www.lippescareers.com/