Patent Paralegal

Job Duties

We are seeking a Patent Paralegal in our Denver, Minneapolis or Salt Lake City office. In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining and managing U.S. and foreign patent prosecution dockets, including responsibility for ensuring deadlines are met, original correspondence is drafted, and tasks are completed. Do you have strong communication and organizational skills and enjoy managing work distribution and tracking workflows? If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a strong client service focus, then we would appreciate hearing from you. This is a hybrid position that will require working on-site.

Additional Responsibilities include:

• Assist attorneys in drafting correspondence to clients regarding U.S. and international patent prosecution events.

• Under the guidance of attorneys, communicate directly with clients regarding routine or procedural patent prosecution events.

• Assist attorneys in management of U.S. and 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.

• Communicate attorney instructions to local counsel regarding international patent matters and preparation and assembly of ancillary documentation.

• Create, monitor, and maintain U.S. information disclosure statement database in the IP docket management system.

• Assist with patent due diligence projects.

• Navigate the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online system for application status updates and downloading of documents.

• Conduct substantial country law requirements research, including documentation and filing requirements, and present for attorney action.

• Apply competent knowledge of patent legal procedures, terminology, and activities to paralegal tasks.

• Perform and delegate other tasks as necessary or as directed.

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree or completion of a paralegal program or equivalent experience and familiarity with Intellectual Property.

• At least 2-5 years of related experience.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated analytical ability; ability to set priorities; knowledge of ethical boundaries of position and when to consult with attorney; responsible; resourceful; professional.

• Ability to manage client portfolio work distribution, track workflow, and report on client portfolio milestones.

• Ability to proactively problem solve and exercise independent judgement and decision-making skills.

• Competent understanding and knowledge of the patent process, docketing, and filing responsibilities.

• Competent knowledge of, and exposure to, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office online databases including the electronic filing system.

• Competent knowledge of, and exposure to, international patent online databases.

• Competent knowledge of, and exposure to, docketing databases; Foundation IP is preferred.

• Competent in conducting online searches in databases.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

About Dorsey:

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across a diverse range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.

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 www.dorsey.com/staffjobs 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 Colorado only is $29.53 to $46.40 per hour.

The pay range for this position in Minnesota only is $29.53 to $44.67 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 October 16, 2026.

Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree or completion of a paralegal program or equivalent experience and familiarity with Intellectual Property.

Minimum Experience Required

• At least 2-5 years of related experience.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Compensation

$29.53 - $45.00 / Hourly

Postal Code

55402

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

Hybrid

Requisition ID

5027

Job Benefits

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.)