Patent Prosecution Assistant

Alston & Bird

. Prepare, proofread, and process patent prosecution correspondence and related documentation .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeCharlotte • North Carolina • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in U.S. patent prosecution procedures and patent office practices, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficient in managing multiple priorities and maintaining confidentiality while supporting patent prosecution attorneys.

Highest-signal resume keywords

U.S. Patent Prosecution ProceduresDocketing SystemsPatent Management SoftwareMicrosoft Office ProficiencyLegal Assistant Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Patent Prosecution DocumentationFiling U.S. Patent ApplicationsPreparing Powers Of AttorneyMaintaining Prosecution RecordsDrafting Client CommunicationsBilling-Related ActivitiesMatter MaintenanceClient ReportingMonitoring DeadlinesCoordinating Meetings

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailOrganizational SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationProfessional Judgment

Tools & Technologies

USPTO Patent CenterDocketing SoftwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Industry Keywords

Intellectual PropertyPatent PracticeLegal AssistantLaw Firm ExperienceConfidentiality

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Prepare, proofread, and process patent prosecution correspondence and related documentation
Assist with preparation and filing of U.S. patent applications and prosecution documents through USPTO Patent Center
Prepare and submit powers of attorney, assignments, declarations, and other prosecution filings
Coordinate execution of patent-related documents by inventors, clients, and attorneys
Review and distribute incoming PTO communications
Maintain prosecution records in firm and client systems
Open new matters and assist with matter maintenance
Prepare client reports, status updates, and prosecution summaries
Monitor client-specific requirements and filing procedures
Maintain complete and current electronic matter files
Respond to client inquiries about administrative patent matters
Coordinate with docketing personnel on patent prosecution deadlines
Review upcoming deadlines and coordinate attorney responses
Identify and resolve scheduling or workflow issues affecting filings
Monitor patent office correspondence and route time-sensitive matters
Draft routine correspondence and client communications
Assist with billing-related activities, time entry review, matter maintenance, and client-specific billing requirements
Coordinate meetings, inventor interviews, and client calls
Support special projects, reporting initiatives, and process improvement within the patent practice

Requirements

What you’ll need

Knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution procedures and patent office practices
Experience with docketing systems and patent management software
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under deadline pressure
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
Minimum of 3 years of legal assistant experience, preferably supporting patent prosecution attorneys or patent agents
Prior experience in a law firm or intellectual property practice preferred
Professional business references
Successful background screening
Applicants must not be agency/recruiter referrals for compensation consideration

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development opportunities
Background screening required for final applicants
Disability accommodation assistance available