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Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

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Michael Best is seeking a&nbsp;Patent Paralegal&nbsp;to&nbsp;provide administrative, research, docketing, and filing support to attorneys, patent agents, patent engineers, patent scientists, and other Intellectual Property Practice Group professionals. This role&nbsp;is responsible for&nbsp;preparing, managing, and filing Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO),&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;related patent docketing records, and supporting disclosure activities throughout the patent prosecution process.&nbsp;

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As a&nbsp;Patent Paralegal, you will work closely with attorneys, patent professionals, clients, foreign associates, and administrative professionals, the IDS Administrator ensures the&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;tracking and disclosure of prior-art references and related materials. The position requires strong organizational and critical-thinking skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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Review patent application files and identify prior-art materials and references requiring disclosure. 

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Organize, prepare, and file Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) with the USPTO. 

Research, compile, and catalog patents, publications, and other technical references for patent prosecution matters. 

Maintain accurate records of disclosed references and supporting documentation. 

Process, organize, and manage ongoing reference submissions and prior-art materials. 

Monitor patent-related deadlines and ensure timely filing and compliance requirements are met. 

Assist with updating and maintaining patent and disclosure records within firm systems. 

Support patent prosecution activities through research, documentation, and administrative assistance.

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Communicate with attorneys, patent agents, patent engineers, patent scientists, clients, and foreign counsel regarding disclosure requirements and reference materials. 

Coordinate with foreign law firms regarding references and materials for U.S. and foreign patent applications. 

Obtain and distribute prior-art references and supporting documentation as required. 

Facilitate ongoing communication regarding new disclosures, references, and filing requirements. 

Support client service objectives through responsiveness, accuracy, and professionalism.

Docketing, Process &amp; Administrative Support

Generate and monitor daily patent docket reports and deadline schedules. 

Maintain accurate docketing records and update matter-management systems. 

Support development, implementation, and maintenance of patent docketing policies and procedures. 

Provide reference and research assistance to attorneys and patent professionals. 

Perform special projects and administrative assignments as requested.

Process, Tools &amp; Reporting

Utilize USPTO systems, patent databases, docketing software, and document-management platforms.

Maintain accurate case records, disclosure logs, and filing documentation.

Prepare reports, status updates, and filing summaries.

Ensure compliance with firm quality standards, patent procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

Monitor workflow metrics and filing deadlines to support efficient matter management.

Continuous Improvement and Strategy

Develop and maintain knowledge of patent prosecution procedures and USPTO requirements. 

Stay informed regarding changes to patent prosecution and disclosure requirements.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and workflow processes.

Participate in training and professional-development opportunities.

Support knowledge-sharing and operational-excellence initiatives within the Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Location

This position can be based in our Milwaukee, Waukesha, Denver, or Chicago offices.

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Knowledge Base &amp; Education

Associate’s degree preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum of two years of intellectual property, legal support, docketing, administrative, or related experience preferred.

Experience supporting patent prosecution activities preferred.

Experience working with deadlines, document management, and large volume of information preferred.

Familiarity with patent-related processes or legal environment is beneficial.

Skills &amp; Competencies

Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities effectively.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong customer-service and interpersonal capabilities.

Ability to learn legal terminology, patent procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Familiarity with Anaqua, Elite, iManage or similar docketing and document-management systems preferred.

Professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

Required: Use approved AI-enabled tools responsibly and effectively to improve quality, efficiency, and decision-making, consistent with organizational policies, confidentiality, and applicable laws.

Other

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We are committed to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. It's why we invest in and provide the following resources and guidance to help you grow your career with confidence.
<ul>
<li>Challenging and Dynamic Role</li>
<li>Career Development Planning</li>
<li>Professional Growth Opportunities</li>
<li>Performance Management and Coaching</li>
<li>Specialized Training Programs</li>
</ul>

Learning &amp; Growth

Our comprehensive benefits support the well-being of our people by prioritizing physical and mental health. From core health coverage to proactive wellness programs, we provide the tools you need to care for yourself at every stage of life.
<ul type="disc">
<li>Medical</li>
<li>Dental</li>
<li>Vision Care</li>
<li>Health Savings Accounts</li>
<li>Flexible Spending Accounts</li>
<li>Wellness Program</li>
<li>Employee and Family Assistance Program</li>
</ul>

Health &amp; Wellness

Our approach combines competitive pay with exceptional benefits and meaningful rewards that reflect the value each team member brings to our firm. We ensure everyone has the support they need to be at their best.
<ul>
<li>Competitive Base Pay</li>
<li>Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay</li>
<li>Outstanding Benefits</li>
<li>Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays</li>
</ul>

Total Compensation

We take a proactive approach to future planning by offering benefits designed to safeguard your financial and personal well-being.
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<li>401(k) with Company Contribution</li>
<li>Paid Medical Leave</li>
<li>Long Term Disability Plan</li>
<li>Life Insurance</li>
<li>Critical Illness Insurance</li>
<li>Paid Parental Leave</li>
</ul>

Planning for the Future

Our culture is built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. As a growing firm with an exciting vision for the future, we offer a modern, flexible working environment that supports productivity, balance, and connection.
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<li>Respected Organization with Collaborative Culture</li>
<li>Growing Firm with an Exciting Future</li>
<li>Contemporary Work Environment</li>
<li>Positive and Respectful Work Climate</li>
<li>Performance Recognition</li>
</ul>

Culture &amp; Workplace

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For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for&nbsp;a&nbsp;Patent&nbsp;Paralegal I&nbsp;in our California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois offices is&nbsp;between&nbsp;$54,000&nbsp;and $60,000.The salary range reflects our good-faith expectation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity.&nbsp;Patent Paralegal I&nbsp;are&nbsp;eligible to&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, accident coverage, paid holidays, paid time off, and eligible reimbursements. All full-time employees are eligible to&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in the firm's 401k plan.&nbsp;Application review will begin on&nbsp;08/27/2026 and&nbsp;will continue until the position is filled.&nbsp;Submit your application by clicking apply now.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our <a href="https://lawcruit.micronapps.com/sup/ApplicationForm.aspx?%3Eac^?LWCZ4dN=1`&amp;QFBsMzxLV0VYQA%3d%3d=Ml5Kaw%3d%3d&amp;QDFnXTpbVzc%3d=Mj1rMW9Q&amp;PWI4=OkA7QQ%3d%3d">online portal</a><a href="https://lawcruit.micronapps.com/sup/JobPostingDetails.aspx?lawfirm=MiUyNTVFSms=&amp;JobId=MiUzZGprMCU0MA==&amp;at=JTNhJTQwJTNiQQ==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">.</a>

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.&nbsp;

Michael Best &amp; Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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Patent Paralegal I

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