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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.

 


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Intellectual Property Legal Assistant

Date Posted: July 18, 2025
Location: Des Moines
Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Legal Assistant to support our Intellectual Property practice.