Intellectual Property (IP) Legal Assistant

Intellectual Property (IP) Legal Assistant

Location:         Port of Spain;
Industry:                                     Legal Services;
Employment Type:                      Full-time;

About Us:

We are a dynamic law firm dedicated to providing personalised and high-quality legal services to our clients. Our IP team is passionate about helping businesses and individuals protect their creative works, inventions, and brand identity.

The Role:

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented IP Legal Assistant to join our IP Department. The successful candidate will provide high-level administrative support duties requiring sound judgment, critical thinking and organizational skills that entail high level of detail.

The IP Legal Assistant will be  responsible for providing case administration, filing and post-filing assistance, in accordance with official rules and regulations, and using the firm’s case management system in order to support the Attorney in providing a timely and efficient service. This role requires strong organisation skills, the ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities:

• Correspond with clients, attorneys and staff to ensure instructions are received and deadlines are met;
• Respond appropriately to incoming emails, telephone calls, letters and/or visitors; use resources to resolve and answer routine questions;
• Submit conflicts check(s) and new client matter information through; prepare engagement letters and assist with client billing and collections as required;
• Prepare and file trademarks, patents, and copyright applications;
• Conduct research on IP issues, including prior art searches and trademark clearance searches;
• Create, organize and maintain accurate electronic and physical files related to intellectual property matters ensuring all deadlines are met; follow up on pending matters;
• Communicate with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and other stakeholders  regarding the status of IP matters;
• Assist with the enforcement of intellectual property rights;
• Monitor and manage deadlines for IP renewals and maintenance;
• Prepare necessary documents supporting IP prosecution by accurately and promptly completing appropriate forms, documentation and other administrative tasks in draft for attorney’s review;
• Ability to work in a team environment, interacting professionally and promptly with persons at all levels in the firm and with clients by reporting filing information and responding to questions appropriately

Technical  Knowledge, Qualifications and experience

-              Academic distinction and relevant experience in the intellectual property field;

-              Three (3) years prior experience in an intellectual property firm or comparable legal environment  (preferred);

-              Strong understanding of the T&T Intellectual Property regulations and procedures;

-              Experience of a document management system

-              Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research databases;

-              Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

-              Highly organised with strong attention to detail;

-              Can handle large volumes of work with tight deadlines; 

-              Good interpersonal skills with high degree of confidentiality and professionalism;

-              Proactive and able to anticipate the needs of the client and attorney.

In addition, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Ability to work independently;
• Eagerness to learn and develop in the IP field;
• Ability to handle deadlines and adaptable.