Legal Assistant, Patents | 12-Month Contract

at  Smart Biggar

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What We Do.
Smart & Biggar has been at the forefront of intellectual property (IP) and technology law for over 100 years. We practice in every area of IP on behalf of an exceptional international clientele, and we are consistently ranked as Canada’s leading IP firm. We are committed to hiring people with different backgrounds and experience, who represent the best talent in their field.
We are part of the IPH Group. IPH is the Asia Pacific’s leading intellectual property services group, comprising a network of member firms working in eight IP jurisdictions and servicing more than 25 countries. The group includes leading IP firms AJ Park, Griffith Hack, Pizzeys Spruson & Ferguson, and Smart & Biggar. IPH employs across Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Canada
We are passionate about what we do and what we can achieve. The IPH Group is committed to promoting and maintaining a workplace culture of shared respect across companies to enable us all to feel valued and be the best we can be.
The Opportunity.
We are currently looking for a Bilingual Legal Assistant to join our Patents group for 12 months. In this role, you will be part of our administrative team providing operational support to our patent agents and lawyers.

Responsibilities.

• Review and report prosecution documents, such as examination requests and notices of allowance, to the client
• Attend to the filing and prosecution of patent applications
• Monitor and follow up with appropriate due dates
• Prepare correspondence and reminders to clients
• Review client instructions and take appropriate action
• Other duties may be assigned or amended as required

Qualifications and experience.

• A minimum of three years of relevant work experience
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
• Highly proficient in MS Office and ability to learn new software and technology quickly
• Excellent collaboration; attention to detail, time management, and prioritization skills
• Strong team player who demonstrates excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and an ability to work independently.

• Review and report prosecution documents, such as examination requests and notices of allowance, to the client
• Attend to the filing and prosecution of patent applications
• Monitor and follow up with appropriate due dates
• Prepare correspondence and reminders to clients
• Review client instructions and take appropriate action
• Other duties may be assigned or amended as require