Senior Legal Assistant — Intellectual Property

The Law Office of Herbert T. Patty | Remote | Full-Time | Direct Hire

The Law Office of Herbert T. Patty, a California-based law firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Assistant specializing in Intellectual Property to support its patent, trademark, and copyright practice.

We’re looking for someone who can manage substantive legal support assignments, anticipate next steps, and take ownership of deadlines with minimal supervision. All legal work will be performed under attorney direction and review.

Responsibilities

• Prepare application documents, correspondence, and other IP-related materials for attorney review.
• Support patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution and maintenance matters within your experience.
• Maintain accurate IP portfolios, prosecution records, and electronic matter files.
• Monitor USPTO correspondence, filing deadlines, renewals, maintenance requirements, and outstanding documents.
• Assist with Office Action responses, assignments, amendments, and other prosecution-related submissions.
• Conduct preliminary IP research and patent or trademark searches as directed.
• Coordinate with clients, inventors, foreign associates, and other parties to obtain information and documents.
• Prepare and submit authorized filings using relevant electronic filing systems.
• Provide concise matter updates and promptly flag approaching deadlines or issues requiring attorney attention.
• Perform additional related duties as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a paralegal or legal assistant supporting a U.S. intellectual property practice, with responsibility for substantive work and deadline management.
• Hands-on experience with U.S. patent and/or trademark prosecution. Please clearly identify your areas of expertise.
• Familiarity with USPTO procedures, correspondence, and relevant filing systems.
• Strong legal drafting, research, proofreading, and document management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently and follow through without repeated reminders.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Comfortable working closely with teammates and the Principal Attorney.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, PDF editing tools, and legal case management or docketing software.
• Reliable computer, internet connection, and suitable remote workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting both patent and trademark matters.
• Experience with copyright matters, international IP portfolios, or PCT-related documentation.
• Familiarity with Clio, AppColl, and DocuSign.
• A degree in law, legal studies, or a related field, or a paralegal qualification.

Work Schedule and Compensation

• Full-time, remote, direct-hire opportunity.
• Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM Pacific Time.
• Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods, subject to advance coordination and approval.
• Compensation will be discussed based on experience and qualifications.