Paralegal, Patent Prosecution

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

The Patent Prosecution Paralegals are primarily responsible for assisting IP attorneys in servicing clients' Intellectual Property matters, including, but not limited to, the prosecution and enforcement of patents.Must maintain productive working relationships with attorneys (both at the firm and outside counsel), support staff, clients and vendors.They shall possess a mastery of technical and administrative skills, assume responsibility with minimal supervision, exercise initiative and judgment to make decisions within the scope of their assigned authority, work individually and as part of a team, and practice collaboration with firm employees in all offices. Must maintain confidentiality of client and firm matters and follow the firm's policies and procedures.

This hybrid position offers a 3-day-per-week work schedule in the Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, or Atlanta office.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm's executive leadership.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.

• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Paralegal within our Intellectual Property team, you will:

• Assist with the preparation, filing and prosecution of the full range of domestic patent applications (application papers, responses, responses to official actions, assignments, information disclosure statements, maintenance government fees, etc.).

• Perform legal research and factual investigation using on-line search engines and patent databases, including researching patent families and patent ownership interests.

• Manage the integration of patent files transferred from other firms, including coordination with patent docket clerks on docket database entries.

• Assist with the preparation, filing and prosecution of foreign patent applications (e.g. application papers, responses, responses to official actions, assignments, information disclosure statements, maintenance government fees, etc.).

• Assist with the preparation, filing and prosecution of foreign patent applications (e.g. patent cooperation treaty ("PCT") filings, correspond with foreign associates.

• Conduct searches on patent databases.

• Prepare and compile reports from databases.

• Work with attorneys, docket clerks and legal administrative assistants to ensure that patent matters are addressed in a timely and efficient fashion.

• Interpret and understand U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules relating to IP.

• Monitor intake process for transferred files.

• Prepare departing files for transfer.

What We're Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

• Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

• Four-year college degree preferred or significant relevant work experience in patent prosecution in place of a degree; paralegal certificate preferred.

• A minimum of 3 years of prior IP practice experience and knowledge of patent prosecution required, including patent cooperation treaty ("PCT") papers.

• Experience with U.S. patent filings including patent cooperation treaty ("PCT") papers.

• Demonstrated technology skills, including software applications, docketing and patent search databases, are required.

• Working knowledge of patent docketing procedures.

• Able to multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy.

• Ability to exercise independent judgement, reason logically and make sound decisions.

• Previous experience working in a law firm or legal environment preferred.

• Regular and predictable attendance is a core requirement of this position, and the ability to work beyond the standard scheduled hours, as needed.

The targeted salary range for this position is from $80,000 - $90,000, which reflects the Firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, and location.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm's website.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm's success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.