Patent Paralegal

Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris and Munich. Established more than 140 years ago, we remain as passionate as ever about making intellectual property work to our clients’ best advantage. Today, our clients include many renowned, innovative organisations from across Europe, North America, and Asia.

We believe that our patent and trade mark attorneys, support, and operations staff have a breadth of expertise and a depth of specialist sector knowledge that is second to none. Our purpose is building trusting relationships, and our vision is to be an independent, responsible, sustainably profitable, and globally focused firm.

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal to support an important and growing client of Withers & Rogers. This is a great opportunity for a fresh challenge in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Bristol, Sheffield or Birmingham. Hybrid working options, including working from home, are available.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Being part of a hybrid team, combining admin and fee earner tasks, including all typing of documents, including letters, emails, and patent specifications. The majority of the teams’ work is autonomous, with responsibility for all reporting matters direct to the client’s paralegal team.
• Managing all new filings and submissions to the EPO and UKIPO, setting and managing all the tasks for the fee earner team.
• Managing own and team inboxes, processing emails and electronic post, updating our case management system and acknowledging receipt, where appropriate.
• Accurate and daily maintenance of the computerised case management system, including following workflows and generating standard correspondence from templates, and liaising with Records and Accounts departments.
• Preparation of official forms for UK, European and other patent applications, including the use of online filing software, the payment of official fees and reporting accurately.
• Organising and prioritising own workload and keeping a level-headed approach in a busy working environment.
• Accurately following Withers & Rogers processes and procedures, and client-specific processes and procedures where applicable.
• Producing/maintaining documentation to capture processes developed for this key client.
• Accurate preparation and processing of invoices, using e-billing systems with minimal fee earner involvement (fixed price billing).

To join us as a Paralegal, you’ll need:

• Demonstrable patent administration experience.
• A proactive approach with the ability to balance and prioritise workload, remain composed and level-headed during periods of particularly busy activity, and be proactive in helping other members of the team. Ability to manage incoming team's emails, judge urgency, and action as required.
• Good communication skills and ability to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts.
• Attention to detail and pride in work product.
• Good Microsoft package skills, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel (essential), with an understanding of case management systems and experience of following/generating standard procedures and templates for repeat tasks.
• The desire to learn and a willingness to become involved.
• Ability to work individually and within a team.

Your Rewards:

• Competitive salary
• Benefits such as healthcare cash plan and additional holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced Parental Leave options
• Positive and welcoming work environment

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to broaden their knowledge, challenge themselves and share their ideas. If you think you have the skills to succeed, we would love to hear from you.