Assistant IP Operations & Paralegal Manager

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.

Job Profile:

• Manage, mentor, and coach Paralegals including bi-weekly 1:1’s, maintaining coaching notebooks, timely execution of all HR Performance@BMS Manager Tasks
• Complete BMS Manager training as assigned
• Provide Paralegal Support for up to 3 IP Practitioners
• Provide bi-weekly status updates to Paralegal Manager
• Coordinate with managers to identify areas of inconsistency in paralegal workflows and processes, escalate and inform manager
• Align with Docketing Manager to ensure docketing practices (where applicable) are consistent with standard docketing procedures
• Share knowledge and education reinforcing processes and procedures across sites
• Document processes and procedures in Paralegal Manual
• Conduct recurring feedback meetings with key clients and stakeholders

Paralegal Responsibilities

Advanced knowledge of US and foreign patent procedures Monitor progress of patent cases and patent attorney/agent dockets through use of USPTO Private PAIR, IP Management Software and Document Management System and seeks to reconcile any noted discrepancies Demonstrated efficient workload prioritization including the ability to efficiently manage multiple heavy dockets, multiple tasks, and e-mail workload including outside counsel e-mail review Review patent application files to check for compliance with USPTO requirements and BMS department standards, takes initiative to resolve discrepancies Review correspondence received from U.S. outside counsel law firms and expertly liaises with agents to ensure they are in compliance with BMS processes and procedures and USPTO rules and provides them with instructions and guidance in order to meet compliance Expert knowledge and working experience of the USPTO EFS web filing system in order to independently draft and prepare simple to moderately complex patent legal documents for submission to the USPTO including (but not limited to) patent applications, figures, sequence listings, amendments, information disclosure statements, office action responses, requests for continued examination, notices of appeal, reply briefs, Allowance Checklists, Allowed Claims, issue fee payments, etc. Knowledge and expertise to customize/suggest language changes on forms as applicable to specific patent prosecution need Identifies patent legal issues and/or problems based on knowledge of PTO procedures and suggests and/or takes initiative to resolve Advanced skills to independently draft and assist with attorney responses to worldwide foreign patent agents Expert use and application of the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 37) and the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) to identify legal issues/problems based on knowledge of PTO procedures Proficiently perform Patent Term Adjustment review and analysis, delivery of analysis summary to patent attorney/agent and independently drafts petitions for PTA reconsideration Participate in best practice group meetings in order to provide input and feedback to promote consistent administrative procedures Liaise with docketing group by providing guidance on USPTO prosecution as it pertains to deadlines and workflows that impact the paralegal group Advanced oral, writing, and communication skills including procedural document writing skills Excellent organizational and accountability skills, takes initiative to follow up with inventors, counsel and agents to meet critical deadline dates Sets own standards of high performance and works to exceed standards; takes initiative to expand own knowledge of PTO rules Assists with onboarding and mentoring legal assistants and paralegals Frequently provides backup and support to legal assistants and paralegals Demonstrated track record and valued resource to management

General

Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office 2013 including Outlook, Word, Excel Advanced knowledge of IP Management Software and Document Management Software Advanced form editing capability in Adobe Acrobat Pro Advanced proficiency in use of basic to advanced forms including IP Management Software generated forms. Strong skills and experience with Patent-In software to generate sequence listings Proficient knowledge and use of domestic and foreign patent databases, e.g., PCT Scope; EPO Online, etc. Advanced reference management proficiency including searching, procurement of patent references (U.S. and Foreign patents, journal articles) and familiarity with reference linking within IP management software or document management system Advanced edit capability in Chemdraw Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software, processes and workflows in order to perform efficiently and provide key feedback to assist team members to maximize efficiency Timely and efficient communicator with patent attorneys/agents, outside counsel firms, team members, cross-functional groups and stakeholders

Administrative

Process and reconcile expense reports Experienced and organized travel arranger Organizes small and large group meetings for attorneys/agents including meeting agenda and meeting minutes preparation Consistently seeks out opportunities to provide support when there are gaps in coverage

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher. 10+ years of work experience or Paralegal Certificate and 8+ years of work experience in a law firm, an in-house legal department, a consulting firm, or comparable experience elsewhere.

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. 

Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or any part of the recruitment process direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.