A national law firm is seeking an IP Legal Assistant, with a focus on patent prosecution (prior experience in this practice area is a must-have). This firm boasts a 7.5 hour work day, beautiful renovated office with snacks, and we have placed 5 legal assistants here in the last two years - all are super happy! Responsibilities of Role: § Preparing and filing new patent (and occasional trademark) applications and associated documents (application data sheets, inventor declarations, powers of attorney, information disclosure statements, preliminary amendments, office action responses, and appeals) with the USPTO· Ensure all three elements of the patent application is correct (such as claims set)· Current volume of filings is anywhere from 5 per day to less than 1§ Creating shells for attorneys (such as for office action responses)§ Docketing – the department exists in Phoenix, but this person will do backup calendaring for attorneys in Outlook or Excel (and reminding them of deadlines)§ Searching IP databases (such as the USPTO, TEAS, TARR, WIPO, and foreign patent offices – like Japan, Australia, Canada, and the EU).· Software: Anaqua, NetDocs, inTapp, iTimekeeper, CPi, AMS, Adobe (bate stamping/labeling, signatures, page numbers). They are paperless. Soft Skills:o Ability to multitask and jump from one thing to another.o Extremely high attention to detail. Should be able to catch if the partner misses a detail such as inventor name/filing deadline.o Someone who takes direction well. Ideally, they’d say, “I’ve done this before, but how does your team do it?” Must have a learner mentality.o Someone who is not a social butterfly, but is drama free!o Someone who is not on their phone during the workday. <-- if you know this is you please do not apply; it will not be tolerated. Perks of Firm:· The IP attorneys are approachable, polite, and a congenial group.· The Sr. legal assistant in the IP group, is a great trainer and has been with the firm for 22 years. She’s been doing IP for 30. Many staff have strong tenure!· High level of respect for staff, no micromanaging, no drama.· Firm prioritizes pro bono work, and partner closely with nonprofits.· The firm administrator offers 1:1 career coaching.

3+ years of patent prosecution experience, specifically:1. Knowledge of how to file a patent application with the USPTO <-- the firm cannot train on this, please don't apply without fluency!a. US filing experience is a must; foreign/EPCT filing experience is nice-to-have2. Knowledge of how to docket/cross reference due dates within IP law. 3. Ability to pivot multiple projects in a day, not easily frazzled. To apply, send your resume directly to Melanie.Kent[at]RobertHalf[dotcom] with "OC IP Legal Assistant" as the subject line.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. Robert Half is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Robert Half project lawyers do not constitute a law firm among themselves. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy">Privacy Notice</a>.

Irvine, CA
onsite
Permanent
75000 - 95000 USD / Yearly
A national law firm is seeking an IP Legal Assistant, with a focus on patent prosecution (prior experience in this practice area is a must-have). This firm boasts a 7.5 hour work day, beautiful renovated office with snacks, and we have placed 5 legal assistants here in the last two years - all are super happy! Responsibilities of Role: § Preparing and filing new patent (and occasional trademark) applications and associated documents (application data sheets, inventor declarations, powers of attorney, information disclosure statements, preliminary amendments, office action responses, and appeals) with the USPTO· Ensure all three elements of the patent application is correct (such as claims set)· Current volume of filings is anywhere from 5 per day to less than 1§ Creating shells for attorneys (such as for office action responses)§ Docketing – the department exists in Phoenix, but this person will do backup calendaring for attorneys in Outlook or Excel (and reminding them of deadlines)§ Searching IP databases (such as the USPTO, TEAS, TARR, WIPO, and foreign patent offices – like Japan, Australia, Canada, and the EU).· Software: Anaqua, NetDocs, inTapp, iTimekeeper, CPi, AMS, Adobe (bate stamping/labeling, signatures, page numbers). They are paperless. Soft Skills:o Ability to multitask and jump from one thing to another.o Extremely high attention to detail. Should be able to catch if the partner misses a detail such as inventor name/filing deadline.o Someone who takes direction well. Ideally, they’d say, “I’ve done this before, but how does your team do it?” Must have a learner mentality.o Someone who is not a social butterfly, but is drama free!o Someone who is not on their phone during the workday. <-- if you know this is you please do not apply; it will not be tolerated. Perks of Firm:· The IP attorneys are approachable, polite, and a congenial group.· The Sr. legal assistant in the IP group, is a great trainer and has been with the firm for 22 years. She’s been doing IP for 30. Many staff have strong tenure!· High level of respect for staff, no micromanaging, no drama.· Firm prioritizes pro bono work, and partner closely with nonprofits.· The firm administrator offers 1:1 career coaching.
2026-01-30T00:00:00Z