Legal Clerk Jobs

Thompson Hine is seeking a full-time (40 hours per week) Legal Clerk to work in our Downtown Cleveland, OH office. This position is responsible for providing Intellectual Property (IP) docket and case management support to the timekeepers and secretaries in the firm.

A successful candidate for this Docket position will have experience in one or more of the following areas; Docket, Intellectual Property (IP) Docketing, Legal Support, IP Support, IP Legal Assistant, IP Secretary, IP Paralegal, or use of PATTSY, or similar, docketing software background.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Enters and maintains information in the IP docket and case management software database, calculates action due dates, and makes appropriate entries.

2. Responds in a timely and efficient manner to inquiries from attorneys, paralegals and secretaries regarding case status information.

3. Performs on-line research via public access websites, PAIR system, USPTO, and Foreign PTO.

4. Familiarity with patent and trademark documents and workflow for both foreign and domestic applications.

5. Reviewing and responding to e-mail directed to the IP Docket mailbox. Responsible for scanning original documents into the IP docket e-mail box on a daily basis. Ensuring accurate and timely completion of requests made (no longer than 24 hours).

6. Responsible for the distribution of daily reminders and weekly docket reports.

7. Responsible for providing daily reminders of event deadlines and to make follow up inquiries with timekeepers to ensure appropriate conclusions.

8. Provides back up support to the Docket Supervisor.

9. Identifies, recommends and documents changes to IP docket policies, procedures, forms, etc. to provide better service and support to timekeepers.

10. Additional duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. High School Diploma or Equivalent Required; Bachelor’s Degree Preferred

2. Three to five years of law firm IP docket, IP experience or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Computer knowledge: Windows, Internet, typing and data entry skills. Knowledge of PATTSY, CPI, Foundation IP (FIP) or other IP docket software preferred.

2. Strong familiarity with the patent and trademark process, both U.S. and foreign.

3. Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette are mandatory.

4. Ability to develop working relationships and cooperate with various firm departments, attorneys, staff, and court employees.

5. Ability to work independently.

6. Attention to detail and accuracy.

7. General familiarity with the Rules of the USPTO and/or Foreign PTO.

8. Must practice confidentiality at all times.

9. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this job.

10. Possesses interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, and staff and is a team player.

11. Ability to handle tasks under pressure.

12. Ability to adjust work schedule to work other hours, as required.