IP Legal Assistant (Entry-Level / 0–2 Years)

Hylton-Rodic Law

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Washington, District of Columbia

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The role involves managing daily operational tasks such as intake of new matters, maintaining docketing systems, and supporting patent filings. You will also coordinate with attorneys and communicate with clients to ensure legal workflows proceed efficiently.

Qualifications

You have a Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience in a legal or administrative role. You are highly detail-oriented, organized, and proactive, with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

Must Have Skills for ATS

docketing systems

patent filings

Job Description

Description

Start your legal career somewhere you’ll actually learn—and be trusted to do real work. 

If you’re trying to break into the legal field, most roles will have you watching from the sidelines. 

This isn’t one of them. 

At Hylton-Rodic Law, you’ll be part of the core engine that keeps a law firm running—working directly on real matters, with real responsibility, early. 

What This Role Actually Does 

You will own the day-to-day operational backbone of our legal work: 

  • Intake new matters and ensure they are properly opened and tracked  
  • Maintain and update docketing systems daily  
  • Support patent filings and legal workflows  
  • Coordinate with attorneys and legal assistants to move work forward  
  • Communicate with clients (primarily via email) on logistics and updates  

This is a high-precision, execution-focused role

What You’ll Be Measured On 

  • Accuracy ? zero missed deadlines, high attention to detail  
  • Responsiveness ? intake handled immediately, docket updated daily  
  • Reliability ? workflows run consistently without follow-up  
  • Communication ? you ask questions early and clearly  
  • Ownership ? you don’t wait—you move work forward  

What Success Looks Like 

By 30 days:
You’re handling intake and docketing with support and asking the right questions 

By 60 days:
You’re independently managing core workflows and keeping pace with workload 

By 90 days:
You fully own your responsibilities and operate with minimal oversight 

This Role Is NOT For You If: 

  • You wait for instructions instead of asking questions  
  • You prefer to “figure things out quietly” instead of confirming  
  • You struggle with organization or detail-heavy work  
  • You want a slow-paced or low-accountability environment  
  • You’re only interested in a job—not learning and growing  

Requirements

Required Background 

  • Bachelor’s degree required  
  • 0–2 years of experience (legal/admin experience is a plus, not required)  
  • Strong organizational and communication skills  
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines  

The Kind of Person Who Thrives Here 

  • Highly detail-oriented and organized  
  • Proactive—you ask questions early, not after mistakes  
  • Humble and coachable  
  • Comfortable in a fast-moving, growing environment  
  • Interested in law, IP, or legal operations  

About Hylton-Rodic Law 

We’re a boutique IP law firm focused on life sciences and innovation. 

We combine: 

  • High-quality legal work  
  • A collaborative, non-corporate culture  
  • Serious about both quality of work and quality of life  

We offer:  

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance 
  • 401(k) and commuter benefits 
  • Mental health days + birthday leave   
  • “Sunshine Fridays” (early Fridays when targets are met)   
  • A collaborative, respectful team environment   

We’re growing—and building systems that allow both our clients and our team to thrive. 

Apply If You Want to Build Real Skills 

If you want to: 

  • Learn how a law firm actually operates  
  • Take on real responsibility early  
  • Grow in a supportive but high-performance environment  

Apply. 

If you’re looking for something passive or low-pressure, this isn’t the role. 

Application Requirements: 

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in this role and in working at a smaller, non-corporate law firm. 

Hylton-Rodic Law

Hylton-Rodic Law is an intellectual property law firm providing strategic IP counsel to science-driven companies across life sciences, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and technology. We work collaboratively with our clients, particularly those without in-house IP counsel, to protect innovation, manage risk, and align patent strategy with business and technical realities. Our attorneys bring deep scientific training and experience navigating complex technologies, allowing us to translate sophisticated technical concepts into clear, defensible IP strategies. We advise clients at all stages of growth, from emerging companies to established multinational organizations. Hylton-Rodic Law offers a broad range of intellectual property services, including patent procurement, global portfolio development and management, freedom-to-operate and risk assessments, IP opinions, licensing support, and USPTO proceedings. Our focus is on thoughtful, forward-looking legal strategy that supports long-term portfolio strength and commercialization goals.
Runway Icon
Boost Your Interview Chances

With Runway

See Your Fit for This Role

1-5 min

Your Score

?

Top Applicants

90%

Your Job Search Advantage

Key Gaps & Next Steps:

Address these in your resume & Interview

Top Strengths For This Role

Highlight these in your cover letter & interview

Your Interview Guide

A Personalized Interview Strategy

Freshest Opportunities

Never Miss a Good Fit

Get notified when jobs mach your criteria