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Intellectual Property Legal Assistant
Location: Des Moines
Job Type: Full-Time
Date Posted: 7/18/2025
Career Category: Professionals & Staff
Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Legal Assistant to support our Intellectual Property practice.
This position assists attorneys with administrative and clerical tasks in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner. While prior patent and trademark experience is helpful, it is not required—we welcome applicants who are eager to learn and grow in this specialized area.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assist with reviewing and reporting USPTO correspondence to clients.
- Prepare and file various types of U.S. and international patent applications, including provisional, utility, divisional, continuation, continuation-in-part, and PCT national phase filings.
- Handle miscellaneous filings and communications related to U.S. patent and trademark prosecution.
- Proofread, redline, and edit documents with a high level of accuracy in grammar, punctuation, and legal formatting.
- Maintain attorney-client matter lists and docket critical deadlines; coordinate closely with attorney calendars.
- Organize and manage both physical and electronic files for easy retrieval and compliance.
- Process billing, time entry, and expense reimbursements using internal systems.
- Draft and format standard correspondence and legal documents.
- Review, prioritize, and route incoming mail.
- Schedule appointments, coordinate meetings, and support general administrative needs.
- Distribute relevant legal publications and articles internally.
- Exhibit a strong willingness to learn and take initiative in all aspects of legal administrative work.
- On-site daily attendance is required for secured computer access, client confidentiality, and in-person collaboration.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma required; Associate’s Degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred.
- Minimum of five years of legal secretarial experience required.
- Prior experience in a law firm setting preferred.
- Familiarity with patent processes and terminology is a plus, but not required—training will be provided for the right candidate.
- Paralegal experience or skills are a plus.
Skills and Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; professional and courteous interaction with clients and colleagues.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word (including TOA and TOC functions), Outlook, and Excel.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Comfortable using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, scanner, copier, phone systems).
- Capable of working under pressure and meeting deadlines with minimal supervision.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequent use of hands for typing and document handling.
- Requires close vision (e.g., reading, proofreading).
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
- Prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing.