Legal Assistant – Patents | Toronto ON

In this position as Patent Legal Assistant you will manage the daily activities of Legal Professionals, as well as providing team support.  You will have a strong worth ethic, be collaborative, professional, adaptable, and positive with excellent attention to details.

Summary of Responsibilities: 

• Draft pro forma responses to official actions based on client instructions on patent files, prepare drafts of reporting letters, and format and finalize agreements.
• Handle inquiries from clients and internal contacts and independently prepare routine correspondence, involving professionals when necessary.
• Organize client requests and independently keep track of due dates and deadlines on upcoming patent files, consulting with professionals as appropriate.
• Follow-up with clients and/or foreign associates to ensure instructions are received on time to meet all deadlines.
• Prepare accounts and manage pre-bills, and have a working proficiency with accounting and billing procedures.

Core Skills & Requirements:

• Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma from a recognized college preferred.
• 5+ years direct patent work experience as an administrative assistant or a clerk. Life sciences and/or corporate background would also be an asset.
• Proficiency in the preparation and filing of Canadian, US and PCT patent applications.   Knowledge of Trademarks would also be an asset.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional grammar and proofreading skills.
• Excellent client service skills and the ability to interact in a professional, efficient manner with internal and external clients.
• Ability to take instructions, prioritize incoming work, follow through on assignments and manage ongoing tasks.
• Highly organized team player with the ability to work under pressure, manage changing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Inprotech and CIPO’s online systems would be an asset.
• Excellent proficiency with Word 2016, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Aderant, and knowledge of  iManage or a similar document management system would be an asset.