Legal Practice Coordinator; IP

Location

Austin, Texas

• Assume responsibility for ensuring efficient daily administrative tasks and support for attorneys and patent agents in the Intellectual Property Practice Section.
• Create shells for Office Action responses, prepare and electronically file responses, and assist with other USPTO submissions and documents.
• Review timekeeper docket reports and maintain docket notes to keep IP timekeepers up-to-date on upcoming deadlines and status.
• Report communications from the USPTO to attorneys and clients and ensure prompt responses to inquiries.
• Research, generate, and update case status reports and IP schedules for clients, attorneys, and other IP timekeepers.
• Access and research a variety of patent databases.
• Open new matters, review and edit client bills, screen calls and emails, process expense reports, submit check requests, process invoices, handle travel arrangements, and maintain electronic files.
• Assist with secretarial coverage when IP legal secretaries are unavailable or on vacation.
• Demonstrate mastery of the firm’s Microsoft Office system by producing a variety of documents from source materials.
• Compose routine and non-routine correspondence for attorney review as requested.
• Provide administrative support to the legal team by ensuring organization of workflow, files, and recordkeeping, including preparation of timesheets and client bills, expense reports, and processing of incoming and outgoing mail and overnight deliveries.
• Assist in organizing work schedule by maintaining calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating travel arrangements.
• Be available to work overtime as needed.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

• 5+ years of legal secretarial experience in patent prosecution, with in-depth knowledge of USPTO rules and regulations.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules, filing procedures for all aspects of U.S. patent prosecution and international prosecution.
• Tech savvy with advanced-level MS Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat skills.
• Excellent client service, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Team player with outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.
• College or university degree preferred.
• Accurate typing speed of 60+ wpm.

• Excellent word processing skills and knowledge of Windows operating system.
• Ability to meet the demands of a fast‑paced work environment and multiple priorities.
• Ability to work cohesively in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Professional, upbeat, energetic, proactive, dependable, and takes pride in work.
• Proficiency in spelling, grammar, proofreading, and writing skills (English), with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Ability to quickly learn new processes, procedures, and styles, and possess good judgement and intuition.

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 - $115,000. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, qualifications, skill set, and geographic location.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.