Senior IP Legal Assistant

Senior IP Legal Assistant

Senior Legal Assistant (Patent Prosecution / Intellectual Property)

We are a boutique intellectual property law firm based in Washington, D.C., built at the intersection of science and legal strategy -- founded by a scientist-turned-patent attorney and focused exclusively on the biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials sectors. Our team brings deep scientific fluency and partner-level attention to every matter, serving innovators ranging from early-stage startups to large multinational companies with services spanning patent prosecution, portfolio development, freedom-to-operate analysis, risk assessment, trademarks, and IP licensing. We act as a dedicated external IP partner for clients who need the expertise and oversight of an in-house team without the overhead of building one. And because we believe exceptional work stems from clarity and well-being, we have built a culture that supports our people with half-day Fridays year-round, quarterly mental health days, birthday leave, and a firmwide holiday closure -- so that both ideas and people can thrive.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Assistant to support our intellectual property practice with a primary focus on patent prosecution. The Senior Legal Assistant will manage docketing and filing workflows, prepare and file USPTO and PCT documents (including IDS submissions), coordinate with attorneys, inventors, and external counsel, and ensure timely compliance with statutory and contractual deadlines. A background in life sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical or chemistry is highly desirable to support technically complex patent matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the firms IP docketing system and monitor deadlines for patent prosecution, PCT national phase entries, and maintenance/renewal actions.
• Prepare, proofread, and e-file USPTO documents (Office Actions, Responses, Requests for Continued Examination, Petitions) using Patent Center/EFS-Web or similar portals.
• Assemble and file Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), including review of prior art citations, preparation of IDS transmittal forms, and coordination of accompanying documents and submission fees.
• Support PCT filings and national phase entries by preparing instructions, routing documents to foreign associates, and ensuring timely submission of required documentation.
• Coordinate with patent attorneys, inventors, and clients to gather invention disclosures, declaration/assignment documentation, sequence listings, and technical exhibits.
• Maintain organized patent files and records (electronic and physical), track prosecution history, and update clients and attorneys on status and upcoming deadlines.
• Communicate with the USPTO, foreign patent offices, and outside counsel regarding procedural matters, fee payments, and prosecution updates.
• Train and mentor junior legal assistants and paralegals on prosecution procedures, docketing best practices, and filing protocols.
• Perform quality control on filings and correspondence to ensure accuracy, compliance with office procedures, and conformity to USPTO rules and MPEP.
• Assist with billing support, time entry review, and preparation of invoices related to prosecution activities.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Administration, or equivalent; Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience supporting patent prosecution in a law firm or corporate IP department, with demonstrated experience in IP docketing and USPTO filings.
• Working knowledge of USPTO systems (Patent Center/EFS-Web) and PCT filing procedures; experience with IDS preparation and rules under the MPEP.
• Experience with IP docketing systems (e.g., FoundationIP, Lecorpio, Anaqua, CPA, or similar) and document management platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent proofreading skills, and ability to produce error-free filings under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact professionally with attorneys, inventors, foreign associates, and USPTO staff.
• Comfortable working with technical subject matter in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or chemistry; ability to read and summarize scientific content.
• Ability to manage multiple matters concurrently, prioritize tasks, and work independently while supporting a team.
• Paralegal certification (CLA, CP, or equivalent) and/or experience with patent prosecution best practices preferred.
• U.S. bar or patent attorney not required; position requires discretion, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical standards.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• 401k + company match up to 3.5%
• Full vesting in 2 years
• Commuter benefits of $50/month
• Mental health days
• Paid vacation
• Paid federal holidays
• Early Fridays 
• Birthday leave
• ...and more!

- For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 07/09/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed.Everforth CyberCoders is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications, and a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. A human recruiter reviews all results. Click here for details on our virtual recruiter .  Everforth CyberCoders will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Everforth CyberCoders is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment can contact a member of our Human Resources team at Benefits@CyberCoders.com to make arrangements.

Salary

$35 - $45 USD per hour