IP Patent Prosecution Practice Specialist II (San Francisco)

Company: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: April 1, 2025

Job Description:

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 firm, is seeking an IP Patent Prosecution Practice Specialist I.We prefer candidates who can work from our San Francisco office, but will consider other candidates who can work from one of our other California offices. The other offices we are considering are: Silicon Valley, Del Mar, Orange County, Downtown Los Angeles, San Diego, or Century City. There is only one opening.Sheppard Mullin is hiring an experienced, well-organized IP Patent Prosecution Practice Specialist to support life sciences and healthcare IP attorneys, patent agents, and paralegals in all aspects of patent prosecution. This includes assisting with daily workflow on conducting research, preparing and filing legal documents, communicating with clients and government agencies, and maintaining accurate records. The job requires knowledge of U.S. and Foreign life science patent prosecution rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle various duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. The ideal candidate will have at least 3-5 years' experience in patent prosecution and US and foreign filings.Essential Job Functions

• Format, edit, and manage legal documents.
• Conduct conflict checks and handle new matters, including preparing engagement letters and managing client and case documents.
• Ensure that client-matter numbers are opened according to the Firm's guidelines.
• Prepare Partner timesheets, expense summaries/reports, and client bills.
• Maintain client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidential.
• Proactively manage casework and assignments, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner. Communicate calendar and docket updates to the docketing teams.
• Work closely with attorneys, patent agents, and paralegals to prepare and file official correspondence using the Firm's standards and procedures.
• Communicate regularly with the team. Double check work product before presenting to attorney for review and again before sending or filing.
• Attend and actively participate in all training programs suggested by the Director of IP Administration, the IP Manager, and Office Administrator.
• Must be able to meet the annual billable hours requirement.Qualifications and ExperienceRequired Qualifications:
  • A minimum of 3-5 years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
  • U.S., PCT, and foreign patent rules and procedures. Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of filing in USPTO Patent Center and preparing and/or filing in WIPO ePCT.
  • Strong working knowledge of working with life science clients, US and foreign requirements for sequence listing submissions.
  • Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
  • Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.Education and/or ExperienceA high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.License and CertificationA secretarial certification or ABA approved paralegal certification is preferred.Computer/Software KnowledgeMust have proficiency in Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.Work Environment
    • The current Firm policy is hybrid-working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
    • Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.California: The pay range for this position is $31.00 to $67.00 per hour.We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.[Req: #2025-3255]
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Keywords: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, San Francisco , IP Patent Prosecution Practice Specialist II (San Francisco), Other , San Francisco, California