Description

The IP Paralegal is responsible for providing technical and administrative support to attorneys, patent agents, technical specialists and clients in all aspects of patent prosecution. This position reports to the Partners

About the Firm

At Steinfl + Bruno, we offer a workplace built on human connection. As a boutique firm, we’re built around close collaboration, real mentorship, and a shared commitment to excellence. Our team members don’t work in isolation—they’re part of a cohesive group where partners are not only accessible but actively involved in day-to-day work.

We provide flexibility and structure in equal measure. Flexibility, because we recognize that one size doesn’t fit all: everyone has different strengths, faces different challenges, and sometimes the right adjustment can bring out their best. Structure, because we believe growth and quality thrive in a setting where people support each other. No pigeonholing. No ego-driven hierarchies. Just a deep respect for good work and the people who do it.

We don’t paper-push. We don’t cut corners. We never compromise on substance for the sake of volume. Our clients count on us for precision and thoughtfulness, and we hold ourselves to that standard in everything we do.

Transparency is a core value. There are no hidden ladders to climb, no politics to navigate. Advancement comes from excellent work—not backroom deals, not golf outings, not appeasing personalities. We operate on merit, not maneuvering.

We believe that great contributions come in many forms, and we’re committed to recognizing the full range of perspectives and strengths that make our team better.

Above all, we are a place for people who care about the work, care about each other, and want to build something meaningful always aspiring to excellence. If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

Requirements

Ideal candidate will have prior applicable patent prosecution experience. Other qualifications for PL include, but not limited to:

 **     Four year degree and PL training/certificate. Applicable experience may be substituted for formal education if 2 year degree and paralegal certificate.

 **     Relevant PATENT prosecution experience in a professional environment which includes progressive responsibility in managing patent matters on the prosecution side

  **     Knowledge of USPTO’s Electronic Filing System and patent rules and regulation, and  USPTO-PAIR.  Prior experience in executing electronic filings with the US Patent and Trademark office. Knowledge of US and PCT patent rules and procedures to prepare and file USPTO applications (i.e. provisional, non-provisional and continuing applications)

  **    Knowledge to prepare and file other relevant USPTO documents (i.e. assignments, declarations and powers of attorney), Information Disclosure Statements, preliminary amendments, responses, requests for continued examination, and missing parts.

   **     Prior experience issuing fee payments in accordance with applicable fee schedules.

   **    Prior experience assisting with billing (Timeslips highly desirable. And proficiency with Windows-based software applications (including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe DC)

  **     Ability to prepare related client correspondence in accordance with firm/client guidelines to report accurately and timely, and to respond to client inquiries and requests, and provide status reports as directed. Draft correspondence to clients regarding status of applications and patents, and reporting Office Actions. Correspond with foreign associates; oversee payment of foreign associates' invoices. 

   **    Ability to assist in preparing claim amendments, to construct timelines of events, to review file history, to extract critical data and reconstruct portfolio.

   **    Patent prosecution experience preferably within a law firm environment. Occasional overtime work may be necessary. Other duties as assigned may include planning, directing and reviewing of the work assigned to other support staff, as well as special projects designated by associates/partners.

   **   Possess strong attention to detail with the ability to navigate multiple tasks and deadlines and ability to maintain knowledge of the status of ongoing client matters

   **  There is no billing requirement for IP Paralegal