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Job Description:

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

As a Patent Paralegal , you will work closely with attorneys, patent professionals, clients, foreign associates, and administrative professionals, the IDS Administrator ensures the accurate 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.

What You'll Be Doing

Core Responsibilities

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

Stakeholder Partnership

• 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 & 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 & 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.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge Base & Education:

• Associate’s degree preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Entry level candidates accepted.
• 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 & 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.

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, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, 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 based in our Milwaukee, Waukesha, Denver, or Chicago 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, 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 10 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

For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for a Patent Paralegal I in our California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois offices is between $54,000 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. Patent Paralegal I are eligible to participate 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 participate 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 participate in the firm's 401k plan. Application review will begin on 08/27/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Submit your application by clicking apply now.

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 and Michael Best Strategies 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) 271-6560 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.