Patent Legal Assistant

Job Title: Patent Legal Assistant – Calgary – 11-month term position Location: Calgary, AB Closing Date: September 4, 2026 Competition Number: MLTA-CAL-202608-065 Who we are MLT Aikins is a full-service law firm of more than 375 lawyers across the four western provinces. Named one of Canada’s best law firms by the Globe and Mail, MLT Aikins is the only law firm to have offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Regina and Winnipeg. As one of the largest firms in Canada, we have the bench strength and geographic scope to meet the increasingly complex needs of clients. Job Summary Our Calgary office is searching for a patent legal assistant who will work under the supervision of lawyers and will assist with legal tasks in accordance with MLT Aikins processes and guidelines. This is an 11-month term position. Responsibilities include: * Paying annual maintenance fees and annuities * Facilitating examination reminders and payments at Patent Offices and through foreign agents * Managing the patent docket including docket deadlines and maintaining the integrity of docket data * Sending weekly reminders to clients * Filing documents with patent offices * File management and maintaining precedent * Reviewing incoming correspondence from CIPO and foreign associates and assisting in preparing reporting letters to clients * Maintaining, organizing and updating the docket system of due dates for action and follow up * Performing general administrative tasks including file management, precedent maintenance and entry of tariff codes and time * Completing status checks * Opening files and validating data in all operational programs and databases * Providing assistance to agents/lawyers including expense processing, daily time entry and other various administrative tasks Qualifications include: * Graduate of a recognized paralegal program (equivalencies will be considered) * Minimum two year of experience in a similar role * Knowledge of Patrix IP Helpware is an asset * Knowledge of appropriate software including: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat * Previous experience in intellectual property, specifically in areas of patents and industrial designs * Excellent oral and written communication skills * Strong attention to detail * Strong teamwork and problem solving skills We offer: * A competitive salary including individual performance bonus * Comprehensive coverage for health and wellness benefits * Access to group savings plans and investment options * Growth and development opportunities * Mentorship and support * A positive and inclusive work environment Our Diversity Statement MLT Aikins is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive and diverse work environment. Our principles of diversity, equity and inclusion [https://www.mltaikins.com/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei/] create a space for everyone to collaborate, allowing us to deliver excellent and increasingly innovative legal service to our clients. We encourage individuals of a diverse group to apply to our job postings. If this sounds like you, please submit your resumé and cover letter by using the Apply Button. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The patent legal assistant will manage patent dockets, maintain deadlines, and facilitate payments at patent offices. They will also provide administrative support to lawyers, including file management, time entry, and preparing correspondence for clients.

Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in a similar role and a diploma from a recognized paralegal program. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience in intellectual property, specifically patents and industrial designs, are required.

• Competitive salary • Individual performance bonus • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits • Group savings plans • Investment options • Growth and development opportunities • Mentorship and support

• TeamworkPreferred
• Problem solvingPreferred
• Attention to detailPreferred
• Microsoft ExcelPreferred
• Microsoft WordPreferred
• Microsoft OutlookPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Patent docketing
• Legal administration
• Intellectual property
• Patrix IP Helpware
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Adobe Acrobat
• File management
• Time entry
• Reporting letters
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Intellectual Property Docketing
• Administrative Functions
• Annuities
• Communication
• Docketing (Court)
• Equities
• File Management
• Innovation
• Intellectual Property
• Problem Solving
• Mentorship
• Patents
• Filing
• Detail Oriented

• Legal
• Administrative
• Patent Legal Assistant
• Paralegal / Legal Assistant
• Legal and Related Associate Professionals
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week