Trademark Paralegal
The Position Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking an experienced Trademark Paralegal to join our collaborative and nationally recognized Brand Protection Team. If you are passionate about trademarks, enjoy managing complex portfolios, and take pride in delivering exceptional client service, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside experienced attorneys and professionals in a team-oriented environment. As a key member of our Brand Protection Team, you will play an integral role throughout the trademark lifecycle, helping clients protect and strengthen their brands in the U.S. and around the world. You'll have the opportunity to work on a broad range of trademark matters, manage sophisticated portfolios, and serve as a trusted resource to attorneys and clients alike. We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced setting, enjoys taking ownership of their work, and values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. In return, you'll join a team that values your expertise, encourages professional growth, and recognizes the important role paralegals play in delivering outstanding client service. 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
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 (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, 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 can be located in our Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee or Waukesha offices.
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. 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.
For Illinois applicants (as required by the Illinois Equal Pay Act): The annual compensation range for this position in our Chicago office is between $55,000 and $110,000. Compensation is determined based on qualifications and experience. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.
