Patent Specialist

Location: Orange County, CA
Work Arrangement: 4 days onsite / 1 day remote (after one week of fully onsite training)
Compensation: $70,000 – $105,000 (DOE)
Benefits: 20 PTO days to start (25 days after year 5); 401(k) + profit sharing; parking provided
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

A Patent Specialist is needed to support a fast‑paced patent practice. This role provides legal assistant–level support to a partner with an active patent docket and two patent agents. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with U.S. and/or foreign patent prosecution and can manage a high volume of detailed, time‑sensitive work. Korean language skills are a plus (not required).

Essential Duties

• Prepare, review, and file U.S., PCT, and foreign patent applications and related prosecution documents

• Prepare and file Office Action responses, IDS filings, assignments, and ownership transfers

• Manage client extranets and handle communication regarding PTO filings and correspondence

• Review and manage daily docket and deadlines

• Order file histories, certified copies, and other required documents

• Maintain current knowledge of IP rules, procedures, formality requirements, and country‑specific guidelines

• Handle foreign prosecution tasks including PCT filings, national/regional‑stage entries, and communications with foreign associates

• Report foreign correspondence to clients and calendar related soft deadlines

• Analyze issued U.S. patents for Patent Term Adjustment accuracy

• Use patent analytical tools to research and compile global patent portfolio data

• Generate cost estimates using patent estimating software

• Draft correspondence, letters, memos, and legal documents in Word; create spreadsheets in Excel and presentations in PowerPoint

• Enter, edit, and track daily time in the time‑entry system

• Assist with billing tasks: review proformas, coordinate with accounting, and support timely invoice submission

• Manage email, calendar, contacts, and documents within Outlook and the document‑management system

• Perform conflict checks and file openings using internal systems

• Assist with records management (retrieving/storing physical and electronic documents)

• Provide overflow and backup support to other Patent Specialists and legal secretaries

• Coordinate travel arrangements and expense reimbursements

• Schedule meetings, reserve conference rooms, and coordinate video conferences

Required Experience & Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent (college degree preferred)

• Knowledge and understanding of basic Intellectual Property legal terminology

• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain focus for extended periods

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and make sound judgment decisions

• Ability to follow instructions and escalate issues appropriately

• Strong communication skills for interaction with attorneys, staff, clients, and vendors

• Ability to handle confidential information professionally

• Proficiency in standard office software and tools

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with office work (opening file cabinets, lifting files, etc.)

Additional Details

• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing

• Business Travel Accident Insurance

• Short- and Long-term Disability Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)

• Health Advocacy Services

• Paid Time Off (20 days/year through first 4 years of employment; 25 days/year after 5 years of employment)

• Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance

• Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)

• Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service

• Paid Holidays (12)

• Addiction Resources

• Family Building Benefits

• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities

• 529 Deductions

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with applicable laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.