The Austin office of Perkins Coie seeks an experienced, dynamic individual to join our Patent Prosecution practice group as a Legal Practice Assistant (Legal Secretary). This position will provide highly varied and complex administrative support, with minimal supervision, to designated lawyers, other legal practice assistants, and paralegals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Draft correspondence to clients and foreign associates.
• Schedule patent examiner interviews.
• Proactively maintain an overview of timekeeper workloads and caseloads; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure each task is appropriately tracked and carried through to completion.
• Create, edit, revise, redline, and proofread documents from dictation, handwritten, typed, or electronic copy.
• Maintain timekeeper calendars of meetings and business trips, using current software applications, and apprise them of responsibilities in advance of commitment.
• File paper and electronic documents with appropriate courts and agencies and ensure proper procedures are followed and deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with docketing specialist, including review of docketing reports for accuracy of dates, to ensure court or agency documents/actions for legal proceedings meet firm docketing requirements.
• Coordinate preliminary conflict checks with Professional Standards to ensure lawyer and firm ability to represent a requesting party.
• Prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letters.
• Assist with billing processes, including daily time entry-entering, proofreading, spellchecking, and releasing-distribute monthly proformas, review and edit proformas, and prepare final with cover letter (if appropriate) in accordance with firm or department procedures.
• Prepare accounting documents as required, including check requests, expense and travel reimbursement requests, and trust documents.
• Coordinate client/lawyer/administrative conferences, meetings, and appointments for timekeepers and clients, including conference room scheduling, scheduling visitor offices, meals, preparation of materials, and arrangement with third parties if needed (e.g., court reporter/videographer).
• Coordinate travel arrangements, securing air, hotel, and car plans for timekeepers.
• Set up and maintain administrative and client files; file electronic and/or paper documents and information promptly and accurately. Maintain file organization and updated indices (office dependent).
• Perform copying, scanning, and faxing tasks.
• Receive, screen, and transmit telephone and conference calls in a professional manner and take accurate telephone messages for timekeepers, clients, and business professionals as required.
• Process and route incoming mail, faxes, and electronic communications upon receipt.
• Prepare outgoing mail (including boxes/packages for shipment) for prompt delivery, arranging for messenger services as needed to meet deadlines.
• Prepare notebooks as required.
• Assume responsibility for miscellaneous tasks and special projects as required.
• Conduct Internet research as directed by timekeepers.
• Be present at work during regularly scheduled hours and as needed in the job position consistent with the firm's attendance expectations.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to accurately type 75-wpm, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups.
• Strong command of the English language including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form, and style.
• Good knowledge of personal computer and system utilities or other comparable document production software.
• Familiarity with basic office equipment.
• Excellent organizational skills for prioritizing workload.
• Ability to compose correspondence.
• Solid knowledge of library operations and records storage procedures for retrieving materials and files for case work.
• Knowledge of electronic records management, USPTO rules, and legal billing duties.
• Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of recent experience working as a Legal Secretary or Executive Assistant within a professional environment, law firm preferred. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Notary certification is helpful. General knowledge of the patent prosecution process is preferred. This is not a prosecution desk.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals, dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid Holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found