Job Description

Baker Botts, a full-service, leading international law firm recognized for our understanding of the industries we serve, is seeking an experienced Legal Secretary for our Intellectual Property department. Under general supervision from the Office Administrator, the Legal Secretary provides full administrative and document processing support to assigned groups of attorneys and/or paralegals. This is a full-time, non-exempt position resident in the Dallas Office with excellent benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides confidential administrative support to assignments, performing secretarial tasks of a confidential nature including, but not limited to, composing or preparing documents and correspondence. This may require spending long periods of time at computer workstation.


• Format patent prosecution documents including amendments, petitions, restriction requirements, advisory actions, notice of incomplete documents, information disclosure statements, response to notice to file missing arts and certificate of corrections, provisional and non-provisional (Utility), draft responses to office actions.


• Establishes, maintains, processes, and/or oversees files, correspondence, databases, records, certificates, and/or other documents.


• Prepares documents and correspondence requiring knowledge of legal terminology and document formats, such as patent applications, Information Disclosure Statements, Response to Missing Parts, Amendments and other miscellaneous Patent Office responses.


• Request for Continued Examinations.


• Monitor and update prosecution deadlines.


• Review incoming USPTO correspondence and report to clients.


• Investigate prosecution-related issues in Patent Center.


• Schedules appointments and performs other tasks related to maintaining assignments’ calendars; schedules and coordinates meetings and conferences, including extensive travel, lodging, transportation, and meal arrangements.


• Coordinates outsourced copy jobs. Provides photocopying and/or scanning of correspondence, documents and other printed materials. May require lifting and carrying file folders without assistance.


• Handles in-coming correspondence (including gathering and/or preparing needed materials for lawyer’s review of same in timely fashion), as well as out-going correspondence, including mail, emails to clients, faxes, hand deliveries, FedEx’s, etc.


• Drafts, edits and disseminates information through presentations, charts, graphs, diagrams, spreadsheets, letters, email, mail, memos, itineraries, etc.


• Answers telephones and delivers accurate and timely messages.


• Reviews and revises monthly prebills; prepares correspondence for each and submits revised prebills and drafts letters to lawyer for approval; submits to accounting department for final invoices; mails/emails specific invoices to clients.


• Inputs attorney time as needed utilizing the Firm’s time entry software on a daily basis.


• Interacts with clients, vendors, attorneys and staff to maintain good relations.


• Maintains workstation and surrounding area which may require lifting, squatting, kneeling, or bending.


• Closes files per lawyer requests in Firm software, currently NBI.


• Reconciles and submits travel, client development, and client expenses for reimbursement through Chrome River and reconciles AMEX statements for all assignments.


• Other projects as assigned by Lawyers and Office Administrator. 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; some college and/or PLS Certification desirable.


• Minimum of three (3) years work experience in a law firm environment, or related professional experience.


• Knowledge of legal terminology, USPTO systems, and rules for filings and correspondence. 


• Knowledge of electronic client invoicing.


• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.


• Strong organizational and records management skills.


• Ability to communicate effectively and with tact and diplomacy, both orally and in writing.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information.


• Advanced computer and software application skills.


• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks.


• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including MSWord, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.


• Working knowledge of New Business Intake, The Source, Intapp Time, Aderant, Chrome River, and CPI software.


• Familiarity with Anaqua would be beneficial.


• Knowledge of Chrome River and BB Conference Scheduler software.


• Ability to learn and use databases.


• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.


• Ability to multi-task and work well under time constraints.


• Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.


• Ability to proofread materials for contextual, grammatical, typographical or spelling errors.


• Must have strong organizational, decision-making skills and problem solving skills.


• Must be reliable, a self-starter and have a professional demeanor.

Physical Demands

• Moderate physical activity and Must be able to work at a computer for considerable periods of time.


• Must be able to routinely lift and carry file folders weighing up to 20 pounds.


• Position requires extensive telephone use.


• Must be able to staple and collate repetitively.


• Must be able to lift, squat, kneel and bend.

Working Condition and Environment

• This position may be hybrid, necessitating at least four days in the office, with the possibility of working remotely for one day each week.


• This position is a full-time position requiring a 5-day work week and standard hours as outlined in the firm policy manual. Additional hours will be required when necessary to meet established deadlines or stay current with occasional peaks in workload.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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