Paralegal

Position summary

Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures provides legal/general support to the firm's attorneys and their clients.  Must be familiar with and observe the firm's established policies and guidelines.  Must maintain positive contact with attorneys (both the firm's and outside counsel), support staff, clients and vendors.  Observes confidentiality of client and firm matters. 

This position is not limited to the functions and skills listed on this description and responsibilities will be revised as needed. 

The Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal is primarily responsible for assisting IP attorneys in servicing client's Intellectual Property matters including the perfection and enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. 

Job duties and responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and support the prosecution and maintenance of domestic and international trademark applications and portfolios, including Madrid Protocol filings, Paris Convention priority claims, renewals, and coordination with foreign associates.
• Prepare, file, and support the prosecution and maintenance of domestic and international patent applications and portfolios, including Patent Center filings, and coordination with foreign associates.
• Conduct trademark searches using relevant trademark databases and research tools.
• Assist with responses to USPTO office actions, letters of protest, and inter partes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).
• Support intellectual property due diligence, including the review and organization of IP-related records and documentation.
• Maintain accurate docketing records and monitor deadlines to ensure timely completion of filings and other required actions across the IP team.
• Interpret and apply applicable U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rules, procedures, and filing requirements.
• Coordinate with foreign associates, clients, and internal team members to facilitate the efficient management of international IP matters.
• Proactively address client needs, communicate updates, and help ensure responsive, high-quality client service.
• Use and maintain IP docketing and matter management systems, including PATTSY; familiarity with PracticeLink is a plus.
• Accommodate after-hours filings and time-sensitive deadlines as needed.
• Perform additional administrative and IP-related duties as assigned.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: Undergraduate degree required. Intellectual property (IP) training and/or a paralegal certificate preferred. Will consider candidate with comparable relevant experience in lieu of a paralegal certificate.

Experience: 

• Seven to ten years of prior intellectual property practice experience required.
• Knowledge of USPTO Patent Center and patent filing process.
• Knowledge of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) documentation and filing requirements.
• General office and administrative experience required.

Skills: 

• Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with current office software and database applications, including Microsoft Access or comparable database software.
• Familiarity with USPTO databases and trademark research tools, including Saegis and Corsearch.
• Familiarity with corporate entities, transactional documentation, due diligence, or securities-related matters.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, track deadlines, and follow through on assignments.
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research, follow established procedures, and learn new concepts quickly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel; familiarity with electronic document management systems is preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, colleagues, and outside service providers.
• Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to take initiative, work independently, and recognize when guidance is needed.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: None.

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use.
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while analyzing complex information, managing multiple priorities, and applying sound judgment to decisions.
• Travel for meetings and training as required.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs.

Working conditions

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet filing deadlines and other time-sensitive requirements, including evenings and occasional weekends. Ability and willingness to travel to off-site locations as required.

Pay ranges

This is a non-exempt position. The hourly wage ranges for this role are listed below, along with estimated annual compensation based on expected hours. These represent the presently anticipated pay ranges for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

• Pittsburgh, Miami, Denver, Atlanta: $38.46 – $54.33 per hour (approximately $80,000 – $113,000 annually based on 40 hours per week)

• Dallas, Houston: $41.03 – $57.95 per hour (approximately $80,000 – $113,000 annually based on 37.5 hours per week)

• Chicago: $46.98 – $67.03 per hour (approximately $85,500 – $122,000 annually based on 35 hours per week)

• Philadelphia: $41.11 – $58.65 per hour (approximately $85,500 – $122,000 annually based on 40 hours per week)

• Washington, DC, Boston: $43.75 – $62.50 per hour (approximately $91,000 – $130,000 annually based on 40 hours per week)

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.