Trademark Paralegal

Trademark Paralegal

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a highly experienced Trademark Paralegal to join our Brand Protection Team in a hybrid role at our Chicago, Milwaukee, or Waukesha office. This role will protect and manage our clients’ trademark portfolios, support attorneys, and work independently while contributing to the team’s success.

As a key member of our Brand Protection team, you will manage a large docket of domestic and international trademark portfolios, coordinate with attorneys and clients, and ensure timely filings and renewals. The position requires proactive communication, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate needs.

• Manage and maintain a large docket of domestic and international trademark portfolios, monitoring deadlines and ensuring timely filings
• Prepare and file trademark applications, responses to office actions, statements of use, renewals, assignments, and other relevant documents with the USPTO and WIPO
• Coordinate with foreign associates on international trademark matters, ensuring compliance with local regulations and procedures
• Conduct comprehensive trademark clearance searches and analyze search results
• Manage an internal docket of trademarks and create docket reports
• Independently communicate with clients regarding trademark portfolio updates and deadlines
• Prepare and file U.S. copyright and U.S. Customs applications
• Prepare trademark filing estimates and budgets
• Assist with intellectual property audits and due diligence
• Stay abreast of changes in trademark law and practice

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience as a Trademark Paralegal, preferably in a medium or large law firm or corporate legal department
• A strong understanding of U.S. and international trademark law, rules, and procedures
• Extensive experience with USPTO's online filing systems, TMEP and other relevant online resources
• Proficiency in managing trademark portfolios using specialized docketing software. Experience with Anaqua is a plus
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines effectively, work independently and with a team
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• A bachelor’s degree or a paralegal certificate is highly preferred
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the firm
• Communicate ideas for process efficiencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Ability to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

• Demonstrate a client‑first mentality
• Maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP is a full‑service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

Offices are located in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha);
Illinois (Chicago);
Utah (Salt Lake City);
Colorado (Denver, Broomfield);
Texas (Austin);
North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington);
California (Los Angeles);
Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington DC. This position can be based in Chicago, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Denver, or Raleigh.

• Competitive base pay
• Annual merit review/incentive pay
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Short‑term and long‑term disability plans
• Life insurance and critical illness insurance
• Parental and…