Kilpatrick, a large international law firm, is seeking a Patent Specialist for our Intellectual Property Department in our North Carolina, Texas, Chicago, California, Seattle, Denver, New York or Washington, DC office. This position will be part of our team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff providing a high level of service to both internal and external clients. At Kilpatrick we are one team where each person plays an integral role in serving the needs of our clients. The firm has a strong dedication to its employees, values, diversity and inclusion initiatives and commitment to the community.

Under the supervision of attorneys, the patent specialist will provide support for all types of U.S. patent activities. The patent specialist will operate as part of a team of attorneys and support staff and will assume ownership for all aspects of file management to ensure a high level of service to both internal and external clients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with preparing and filing U.S. and foreign patent applications and responses, both electronically and paper (including preparation and review of necessary filing documents). Collaborate with paralegals as needed.
• Assist in drafting correspondence to clients regarding status of applications and patents, including reporting of filing receipts for applications, publication notices and forwarding patent certificates.
• Review and manage files and docket for deadlines, understand docket and deadlines and action needed on each file.
• Assist in patent filing strategy discussions and due diligence.
• Communicate with appropriate attorneys and team members about docket.
• Act as a single point of contact for the client and assist with incoming files to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Utilize Patent Analysts or contract resources to prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and consistency in work product.
• Assist with proforma review, edits and finalization.
• Process new client/matters forms and conflicts checks, expense reports and reconciliation, travel diaries, preparation of Reports, tables and Excel documents as requested.
• Coordinate messages and conference calls for attorneys and clients.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including air, hotel, and car plans for attorney and clients.
• Maintain accurate daily time records for client billing purposes.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum of two years' experience as a patent prosecution paralegal, legal secretary or comparable position with experience working in a law firm or in house legal environment.
• Experience with Electronic Filing USPTO procedures.
• Must be available to support clients in Mountain and West Coast time zones.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word and other comparable document production software such as PowerPoint, Excel, Timekeeping Software, Scanning and Microsoft Outlook.
• Familiar with USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) Procedures, Rules and Requirements.
• Knowledge of U.S. and PCT patent rules and procedure; knowledge of national laws of other countries; knowledge of Paris Convention and deadlines set therein.
• Four-year degree preferred, or equivalent law firm experience.
• Paralegal certificate from ABA approved program preferred.
• High level of proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office Suite applications, Adobe Acrobat, U.S. Patent Office Electronic Filing System, Dialog and other internet research tools.
• Excellent client service skills.
• Ability to compose routine correspondence.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently, prioritize assignments and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information.
• Should have ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure.
• Respectful to other individuals working directly or indirectly with them.
• Reliable and dependable team player.
• Must be a good planner who is very detail-oriented and can organize and prioritize.
• Should be action and results-oriented.
• Must have effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to move projects to conclusion.
• Must have sense of urgency relating to client requests and should be able to meet deadlines.
• Strong work ethic, flexible, dependable.

This is a full-time, regular position with a multi-faceted health benefit package including medical, dental, and vision. The firm also offers life insurance, short term disability plans and retirement plans in addition to holidays and paid time off. The firm offers hybrid work schedules combining in office work days as well as remote work days. The pay range for this position in Atlanta and Texas only is $34.20 to $51.33 per hour; in North Carolina only is $32.51 to $48.72 per hour; in Chicago only is $36.64 to $55.00 per hour; in California, Colorado, New York, and Washington, DC only is $40.97 to $61.48 per hour.

Selected applicants will be contacted. Kilpatrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at .

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed or disclosed their own pay, or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding , hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1-35(c)