Boston Patent Law Association

Genzyme Corporation, ranked as one of the foremost biotechnology companies in the world, is committed to providing an exceptional environment in which individuals can excel, and achieve their professional and personal goals. Genzyme's people and culture have been consistently recognized for excellence. For example, we have been named several times to Fortune's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States. We also consistently rank among the top employers for scientists in surveys of Science readers. Genzyme's local offices and facilities in Europe and other parts of the world have earned similar distinction as respected employers. By applying for a position with Genzyme, you are taking the first step toward becoming a part of our dynamic and talented team, and sharing in our continued success.

We are seeking a Legal Assistant who will provide administrative support to several members of our Waltham legal group. The Legal Assistant will provide primary day-to-day administrative support to two intellectual property attorneys and one corporate attorney, and will also assist in some patent-related projects. In addition, the Legal Assistant will provide supplemental administrative support for other members of the Waltham legal team as needed.

Specific responsibilities of the Legal Assistant shall include the following: Provides general administrative support as related to legal work. Provides administrative support requiring a complete knowledge of legal department functions. Coordinates meetings, maintains calendars, makes travel arrangements, etc. Provides clerical support as necessary, including filing, faxing, copying, performing data entry, etc. Prepares grammatically correct correspondence, reports, tables, and analyses. Responsible for processing and tracking vendor billing and reporting on vendor costs. Ensures department supply needs are met. Researches patent-related information from multiple sources. Responsible for organization and maintenance of legal filing system that includes documents containing potentially confidential data. Maintains patent files, including prosecution and litigation files; integrates new patent matters and case files into existing databases and filing systems. Working with a senior patent paralegal, coordinates the preparation and filing of U.S. and international patent applications and communicates with foreign patent agents regarding these matters. Understands and coordinates docketing systems internally and externally to obtain requested information. Exercises discretion and judgment in handling of confidential material and information. Responds to various inquiries for information according to general guidelines. Completes other duties as requested, which may include project planning, coordination of cross- functional teams, data collection and reporting. Contacts are frequent with individuals representing other departments, and/or representing outside organizations, including individuals of significant importance. Contacts involve obtaining or providing information or data on matters of importance to the function of the department or which may be of sensitive nature. These contacts also involve planning and preparation of the communications, and require skill, tact, persuasion and/or negotiation to accomplish the objectives of the communication. Demonstrated ability in the application of requisite skills and applies additional skills and knowledge acquired through experience to perform the more complex tasks of the position. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment and overall adequacy and accuracy. Contributes to the completion of organizational projects and goals.

Hands-on experience in patent support is highly preferred. Quality editing and proofreading skills with a fine eye for detail are required. Proven ability to work independently, handle confidential/proprietary information, and effectively handle multiple detail-oriented projects in an environment where priorities are frequently changing is essential. Ongoing maintenance and management of incoming and outgoing correspondence and docketing relating to patents and other intellectual property matters will involve the application of patent-specific skills and knowledge (including the use of various databases and docketing systems). A team player is a must and the successful candidate will also have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and an ability to effectively communicate across different levels within the organization

High School and 5+ years of experience working in a legal office environment as well as experience working with patents.

Must be proficient in MS Word and other MS Office applications including Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Experience with CPI or other similar patent docketing software is preferred.

A working knowledge of how U.S. and international patent applications are filed, prosecuted and maintained is preferred.

Some experience with patent docketing and/or filing patent applications is desirable.

Experience in red-lining and contract processing is desirable.

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Waltham

All applications must be submitted through GENZYME.COM website.

Thank you for your interest.