Practice Coordinator

Job Description

We are a global law firm with a powerful strategic focus and real momentum. Our industry-focused strategy is seeing us take on pioneering work in places that others have yet to reach. Our shared values define our culture and our workplace. You will find us to be unusually collegial, team-oriented, and ready to innovate. We work seamlessly across practices, offices and around the world. This elimination of boundaries has allowed us to evolve into a law firm that works as hard for its culture as it does for its clients.

The Practice Coordinator based in our Houston office will play a key role in supporting attorneys within the Intellectual Property practice. This position requires a proactive individual with excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will bring several years of patent prosecution experience from a law firm or corporate IP department, and demonstrate initiative, integrity, and reliability. Strong client service skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential for success in this role.

This role will require presence in the Houston office at least three days per week pursuant to the firm’s hybrid work policy. Overtime and flexibility in schedule may be required from time to time.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work with attorneys and paralegals to prepare and e-file patent and trademark applications and follow-on documents with the USPTO
• Maintain organization of client files, including electronic files, in the firm’s document management system (iManage)
• Document production including formatting, editing and finalizing correspondence, memoranda, briefs, motions, pleadings, etc. 
• Proofread all documents for content, grammar, and accuracy
• Prepare and process new client/new matter forms, along with conflicts search and preparation of engagement letters
• Manage document deliveries and track final executed documentation
• Review the docket on a daily basis to track all deadlines associated with patent prosecution and assist with the daily clearance of deadlines
• Assist with the preparation of monthly client invoices and resolve appeals, as necessary 
• Maintain attorney calendars to include meeting coordination and travel arrangements
• Process expense reports and vendor invoices through Emburse Chrome River
• Assist other practice group support members with overflow work and provide backup support, as requested

Other duties

Please note this job description does not cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years’ of administrative experience in a law firm or professional service organization
• Experience in intellectual property, patent prosecution, trademark prosecution and enforcement preferred
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred; high school diploma is required
• Ability to assist with docketing and client billing, as necessary
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient with document management systems, knowledge of iManage is a plus
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• Self-starter who is committed to the job, with flexibility to work overtime as needed
• Demonstrates good judgment and exercises confidentiality and discretion
• Maintains a calm and professional demeanor at all times

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Benefit packages include access to three medical plans, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Employees can also access pre-tax benefits such as health savings and flexible spending accounts. Norton Rose Fulbright helps provide financial security by allowing employees to participate in a 401(k) savings plan and profit-sharing plans if eligible. Full- time employees are eligible to access fertility benefits designed to support fertility and family-forming journeys.

In addition to the Firm’s health and welfare benefits above, we offer a competitive paid time off plan, which provides a minimum of 20 days off based on your role and tenure with the firm. The firm offers a generous paid parental leave benefit allowing parents to take a minimum of 14 weeks of paid leave to bond with your newborn, or adopted child(ren). Emplo