Job description
Morrison Foerster LLP, an Am Law 50 law firm with 18 offices worldwide, has an opening for a Filing Trainee within our Corporate Group in our Denver Los Angeles Palo Alto San Diego San Francisco office.
The Opportunity
Morrison & Foerster LLP is seeking an entry level patent professional to join our team as a U.S. Filing Trainee. Our best candidates have strong organizational and follow-up skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and are team players with a positive, professional attitude. In this role, you must be comfortable with multi-tasking and prioritization in a fast-paced environment with close attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness. As you grow into your role, you will serve as a resource and work cooperatively with a large diverse team of patent professionals. You will drive our client service principles and ensure they are attained in all facets of this position. If you are a critical thinker and can work independently using sound judgment, this might be the right opportunity for you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Training Program
- Pursuant to direction and training protocol, demonstrate progressive capabilities in performing duties outlined in the “US Patent Support” section.
- Meet milestone reviews for progression at 3, 6, 9, and 12 month intervals for demonstrating increased job knowledge and client service capabilities.
- Demonstrate consistently strong and progressive performance in position, justifying promotion in to US Filing Specialist position within the specified time-frame as determined by Manager (range 6-18 months from start-date, with flexibility depending on individual progression and prior experience).
- Justification for promotion is demonstrated capability to carry full docket of client-matter assignments consistent with local US Filing Specialist team with significantly reduced supervision.
US Patent Support
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with assigned clients to deliver responsive and appropriate client service. Anticipate future requests based on understanding of client business needs.
- Maintain Redbook and review electronic Weekly Docket for assigned clients; proactively communicate with and remind practitioners of due dates; review Daily Dockets and attend to pertinent entries with Docket Department.
- Utilizing knowledge of the patent practice and adhering to USPTO procedures and firm policies and protocols, timely create and file accurate and comprehensive USPTO submissions, including Information Disclosure Statements. May also be responsible for ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for prior art in international cases.
- In support of managing client portfolios, process incoming mail related to U.S. patent prosecution and report USPTO correspondence to clients.
- Apply specialized knowledge of client preferences to assemble, establish, maintain and adhere to specific guidelines for assigned clients.
- Respond to client inquiries regarding routine patent portfolio matters and provide status reports to clients upon request.
- Gain, and continually stay up to date on, knowledge of US patent rules, including but not limited to the 37 C.F.R. and MPEP rules.
- Assist in providing back-up to US Filing Specialists as needed.
- Assist with keeping daily fixed fees and submitting the same to Accounting.
- Assist in the maintenance of physical and electronic files.
- Assist with special projects as needed, including but not limited to client name and address change requests, client status reports, and file reviews.
- Expectation to move into the US Filing Specialist position within twelve to eighteen months of joining the firm.
Ideal Candidate
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or previous patent legal experience preferred.
Teamwork and Applied Skills
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills; ability to independently follow through on assigned tasks as necessary.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to perform routine tasks and maintain concentration for long periods of time. Excellent proofreading skills in order to provide error free work product.
- Strong analytical skills and willingness to deal with and solve on-going unique situations.
- Ability to work independently, respond appropriately, and meet urgent deadlines.
- Ability to communicate professionally in a timely and effective manner.
- Willingness to assist others with courtesy and cooperation.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and technical ability to learn the use of essential patent specific software.
- Reliability and dependability essential.
- Availability to work overtime; flexibility regarding work schedule required.
Who We Are
At Morrison Foerster, our culture is defined by our deeds. We’re passionate about what we do. We’re equally passionate about how we do it. We resist hierarchies and operate within a model of respect — for our colleagues, their ideas, and the differences that make us stronger. We encourage you to learn more about who we are, and what we do.
Should you find you’re ready to do the best work of your life, we encourage you to let us know!
Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.
California salary range: $62K-$77K
Denver salary range: $54K-$67K
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