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The Position Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a highly experienced Trademark Paralegal to join our dynamic Brand Protection Team in our Chicago, Milwaukee or Waukesha office. Are you a seasoned Trademark Paralegal with a proven track record of expertly managing all aspects of the trademark lifecycle? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess a meticulous eye for detail? If so, Michael Best invites you to bring your expertise and passion to our organization.

As a key member of our Brand Protection team, you will play a vital role in protecting and managing our clients’ valuable trademark portfolios. You will work closely with our attorneys, providing critical support on a wide range of trademark matters. We value proactive individuals who can work independently, anticipate needs, and contribute meaningfully to our team's success. The role is a hybrid role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage and maintain a large docket of domestic and international trademark portfolios, including monitoring deadlines and ensuring timely filings
• Prepare and file trademark applications, responses to office actions, statements of use, renewals, assignments, and other relevant documents with the USPTO and WIPO
• Coordinate with foreign associates on international trademark matters, ensuring compliance with local regulations and procedures
• Conduct comprehensive trademark clearance searches and analyze search results
• Manage an internal docket of trademarks and create docket reports
• Coordinate worldwide trademark assignment filings
• Independently communicate with clients regarding trademark portfolio updates and deadlines
• Prepare and file U.S. copyright and U.S. Customs applications
• Prepare trademark filing estimates and budgets
• Assist with intellectual property audits and due diligence
• Stay abreast of changes in trademark law and practice

Job Requirements Knowledge Base & Education:

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience as a Trademark Paralegal, preferably in a medium or large size law firm or corporate legal department
• A strong understanding of U.S. and international trademark law, rules, and procedures
• Extensive experience with USPTO's online filing systems, TMEP and other relevant online resources
• Proficiency in managing trademark portfolios using specialized docketing software. Experience with Anaqua is a plus
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines effectively, work independently and with a team
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• A bachelor’s degree or a paralegal certificate is highly preferred

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Communicate ideas for process efficiencies

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Ability to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

• Demonstrate “client first” mentality
• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other:

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. This position is located in our Chicago, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Denver, or Raleigh office.

Why You Should Apply At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 9 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

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.

Michael Best & 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.