Job Information
Robert Half Legal Secretary in Palo Alto, California
Description
Large law firm has an immediate opening for a Patent Legal Secretary! This Patent Legal Secretary's role is to provide administrative and patent prosecution support to assigned firm personnel; assist and relieve attorneys and other personnel of administrative and clerical work by performing essential duties and responsibilities which include the following:
Essential Job Requirements:
Ability to prepare new patent applications for filing, including provisional, non-provisional, CON, DIV, CIP, §371 Request for Continued applications and all related documents.
Assist with preparing reporting communications for the attorney to the client.
Prepare responses and/or amendments to Office Actions.
Prepare formal documents, obtain appropriate signature and follow-up as needed.
Upload documents to the client’s database in a timely manner, and ensure information and/or documents are uploaded accurately.
Review issued patents and prepare Certificates of Correction, as directed.
Prepare an Information Disclosure Statement (“IDS”) or Supplemental Disclosure.
Maintain reference citations, including updating Excel spreadsheet or computer database.
Review the attorney’s docket, provide updated information to the docket staff and reconcile the docket as directed.
Answer telephones for attorneys, as well as others in a professional manner; take messages and forward calls to appropriate parties, as needed.
Receive and review incoming mail; process mail, including open, date stamp and route, as directed.
Maintain the calendars of all assigned attorneys and schedule meetings for attorneys; remind meeting participants as necessary.
Assist with revising routine correspondence and documents.
Maintain skills necessary to function effectively and meet all expectations of the role, including the basic functions of core technology tools.
Schedule meetings and notify all parties involved; remind participants of meetings, as needed.
Assist with creating new client matter accounts (conflict checks, intakes, retainer letter and file opening).
Maintain contact lists for client matters.
Organize and maintain electronic and paper client files and keep filing up to date; retrieve existing files through Records Inquiry Online (RIO).
Enter attorneys' time.
Clarify tasks; confirm understanding.
Assist with monthly billing, including meeting the firm and client’s deadlines, photocopying, and final preparation for mailing.
Prepare travel arrangements for attorneys and for clients, if needed.
Provide back-up support to team members as required.
Accept change and work to incorporate change into daily work environment.
Ability to work remotely and ensure that tasks are completed timely and efficiently; maintains regular communication with staff, attorneys and supervisor/manager while working remotely. Ability to follow firm policies and procedures while working remotely.
Requirements
Qualifications:
4-10+ years of experience as a legal secretary, including experience with patent prosecution.
Familiarity with reviewing and reconciling a patent docket.
Basic knowledge of the USPTO’s Patent Center and Electronic Patent Assignment System (EPAS).
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and docket software.
Provide high-level client service by possessing and utilizing strong telephone and interpersonal skills with legal staff, peers and administrators, as well as the firm’s clients.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
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