Job Description
We are seeking a Patent Paralegal in our Salt Lake City, Seattle, or Boise office. In this role, you will perform paralegal functions, which involve performing patent support staff functions of a relatively routine or procedural nature with a familiar degree of patent knowledge, decision making skills, and independent judgment. As a paralegal, you are a critical part of Dorsey's client service teams, working side by side with lawyers, co-counsel, and clients on an array of substantive client matters. Do you have strong communication and organizational skills and enjoy supporting dynamic client portfolios? If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a strong client service focus, then we would appreciate hearing from you.
Additional Responsibilities Include:
- Under the guidance of attorneys, communicate directly with clients regarding routine or procedural patent prosecution events.
- Review and manage files, understand U.S. docket and deadlines, and action needed on each file.
- Communicate with appropriate attorneys and team members regarding deadlines and action items.
- Assist attorneys in management of U.S. and when directed, international patent portfolios, including reviewing and maintaining accuracy of patent files, understanding docket and deadlines, and action needed on each file.
- Draft various patent prosecution documents related to new applications, formalities, examination, patent appeals and post-allowance actions for attorney review and file under attorney direction with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Create, monitor, and maintain U.S. information disclosure statement database in the IP docket management system.
- Navigate the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online system for application status updates and downloading of documents.
- Perform other tasks as necessary or as directed.
What we're looking for:
- High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
- At least 1 year of related experience.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to set priorities; knowledge of ethical boundaries of position and when to consult with attorney; responsible; resourceful; professional.
- Ability to proactively problem solve and exercise independent judgement and decision-making skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage a large volume of detailed tasks.
- Familiar understanding and knowledge of the patent process, docketing, and filing responsibilities.
- Familiar knowledge of, and exposure to, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online databases including the electronic filing system. Familiar knowledge of, and exposure to, docketing databases; Foundation IP is preferred.
- Familiar with conducting online searches in databases. Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
About Dorsey:
Dorsey & Whitney is an international law firm with more than 575 lawyers in 21 offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We are a premier legal counselor to companies worldwide in a wide range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.
Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender. Dorsey's benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution; basic and optional life insurance; short and long-term disability; paid time off; up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth; paid holidays; paid volunteer day; discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible); adoption assistance; healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts; back-up child and elder care program; education and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)
One of our greatest strengths is a friendly, cooperative culture that values and appreciates each individual. Dorsey has received external recognition for our welcoming workplace, including:
- Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
- Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
- 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
- Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
- Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)
Reasonable Accommodations:
Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.
How to Apply:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the "Careers" section of the Dorsey website at and complete Dorsey's online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.
Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.
The pay range for this position in Minnesota only is $27.00 to $60.15 per hour.
The pay range for this position in Colorado only is $27.00 to $62.53 per hour.
The pay range for this position in Seattle only is $34.87 to $70.15 per hour.
The pay range for this position in California only is $35.74 to $72.62 per hour.
This range represents Dorsey's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.
Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through September 2, 2025.
Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.
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Office Location:
Salt Lake City, UT
Boise, UT
Seattle, WA
Costa Mesa, CA
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Temporary work, Work at office, Worldwide, Flexible hours,