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 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 OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.

The statements contained in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Professional business references and a background screening will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact donavan.mclean@alston.com.

Alston & Bird is not currently accepting resumes from agencies for this position. If you are a recruiter, search firm, or employment agency, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if Alston & Bird hires the candidate.