Patent Prosecution Assistant

THE FIRM

As a leading international law firm, we are dedicated to excellence through impactful communication, collaboration, and community involvement. Our company culture has earned us the designation as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 27 consecutive years. This honor, along with many others, highlights our commitment to innovation and professional development. At Alston & Bird LLP, our foundation is made of trust, reliability, and compassion.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Patent Prosecution Assistant serves as an integral member of the Intellectual Property team, providing comprehensive administrative and operational support to attorneys, patent agents, and patent specialists throughout the patent prosecution lifecycle. This role is responsible for coordinating patent filings, managing correspondence and official communications, maintaining accurate records, preparing client reporting, and ensuring critical deadlines are met with precision and efficiency.

Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate is proactive, resourceful, and committed to delivering outstanding client service while supporting the seamless management of domestic and international patent matters.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Patent Prosecution Support

• Prepare, proofread, and process patent prosecution correspondence and related documentation.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of U.S. patent applications and related prosecution documents through the USPTO Patent Center.
• Prepare and submit forms and supporting documents related to powers of attorney, assignments, declarations, and other prosecution filings.
• Coordinate execution of patent-related documents by inventors, clients, and attorneys.
• Review incoming PTO communications and distribute materials to attorneys, patent agents, docketing personnel, and clients as appropriate.
• Maintain and update prosecution records in firm and client systems.

Client and Matter Management

• Open new matters and assist with matter maintenance activities.
• Prepare client reports, status updates, and prosecution summaries as requested.
• Monitor client-specific requirements and filing procedures.
• Maintain electronic matter files and ensure records are complete and current.
• Respond to client inquiries regarding administrative aspects of patent matters.

Docket and Deadline Coordination

• Work closely with docketing personnel to ensure timely handling of patent prosecution deadlines.
• Review upcoming deadlines and coordinate attorney responses.
• Assist in identifying and resolving scheduling or workflow issues that could impact filings.
• Monitor patent office correspondence and ensure prompt routing of time-sensitive matters.

Administrative Support

• Draft routine correspondence and client communications.
• Assist with billing-related activities, including time entry review, matter maintenance, and client-specific billing requirements.
• Coordinate meetings, inventor interviews, and client calls as needed.
• Support special projects, reporting initiatives, and process improvement efforts within the patent practice.

SKILLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution procedures and patent office practices.
• Experience with docketing systems and patent management software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under deadline pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably supporting patent prosecution attorneys or patent agents.
• Prior experience in a law firm or intellectual property practice preferred.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Alston & Bird LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

Alston & Bird also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals who require an accommodation based on religion, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact donavan.mclean@alston.com.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening, which may include professional references and a background screening, consistent with applicable law.

SEARCH FIRMS AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

Alston & Bird does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters, search firms, or employment agencies. Any resume or candidate information submitted without a prior written agreement with Alston & Bird will be considered unsolicited, and no fee will be paid if the candidate is hired.