Intellectual Property Paralegal

This position requires on-site work requirements, do not apply if you are not able to commute to our office in Madison, WI.

Boardman Clark is a full-service law firm based out of Madison, Wisconsin overlooking the Capitol Square. One of the area’s premier firms, we are proud to offer our clients big-firm capabilities with a small-firm handshake.

At Boardman Clark, our approach is grounded in a few guiding principles. We know that the best advocacy starts with an uncompromising ethical backbone, and that trust is not given lightly and must be earned every day. We know the best counsel is thoughtful, unvarnished, and balanced.

Ask our clients and our employees what separates Boardman Clark from other law firms, and they will tell you: the people. Our team is comprised of talented, down-to-earth professionals who thrive in a flexible, supportive work environment within its community-oriented culture. We believe in supporting a diverse and inclusive environment, and a well-rounded, thoughtful approach to work and life. It contributes to the success of our people and our clients and enriches our experience. Here, attorneys enjoy plentiful resources and peer mentorship to promote their professional growth, as well as the flexibility to develop a practice that meets their unique vision and style.

If you are passionate about advocacy and delivering exceptional customer service, appreciate working in a fast-paced environment in the heart of downtown Madison, enjoy variety and challenge in your work, then you should consider joining the Boardman Clark team.

Boardman Clark offers a benefit package which includes Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401k with profit sharing, Firm paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, subsidized parking, and various other benefit programs. We offer workplace flexibility, including a hybrid work schedule (2 days a week) after 90 days of employment.

Pay Range: pay starts at $33.65 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Boardman Clark is an Equal Employment Opportunity/​Affirmative Action Employer.

Job Overview:

Boardman Clark seeks a Paralegal to work within our Intellectual Property Practice Group. The Paralegal will be responsible for assisting attorneys with preparation, filing and prosecution of patent applications and for helping maintain patent portfolios, patent dockets and our systems. Our most successful Paralegals demonstrate skills in attention to details, setting priorities, organization and planning, professional acumen, and exceptional problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with preparation of documents/​letters and edit the following documents for filing: new patent applications; patent amendments/​responses/​other related documents.
• Electronic filing of patent and trademark documents with the USPTO.
• Create, manage and maintain client files and systems.
• Interact professionally and promptly with clients, foreign associates and internal parties by reporting USPTO related correspondence and responding to questions as necessary.
• Maintain IP docketing databases, including reviewing and extracting information from incoming communications.
• Verify and docket filings and other patent prosecution processes.
• Coordinate and communicate with attorneys, paralegals external parties to ensure dockets are current and accurate.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Associate degree in Paralegal studies is strongly preferred; candidates without degrees will be considered based on relevant experience in the field.

Experience:

• Proven work experience as a paralegal and within an Intellectual Property Practice Group is highly desired.

Knowledge:

• Experience with USPTO patent filing processes and system.
• Knowledge of IP law and USPTO practices preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal database software and docketing systems.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word, PDF Editor/​Adobe, and aptitude for technology.
• Understanding of legal procedures and terminology.

Skills/​Abilities:

• Quality and detail oriented.
• Proven skills to maintain professional and courteous demeanor with those internal and external to our Firm.
• Excellent prioritization, organizational, and planning skills.
• Critical listening, collaborative and independent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities needed to interact effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in the English language (written and verbal).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.