Amanda C. Nugent
Professional Staff
As one of Connecticut’s leading law firms for more than 100 years, we have built our reputation on a commitment to excellence, highly personalized, cost-effective client service and outstanding results. Our commitment to client service is recognized not only by clients, but also by some of the world’s leading legal directories and research organizations including Chambers USA, U.S. News – Best Lawyers® and BTI Consulting’s Client Service A-Team Report. In addition, Carmody is recognized by the Hearst Connecticut Media Group as a 2021 Top Connecticut Workplace.
Carmody’s professional staff members contribute essential support and services throughout the firm. We have an experienced team of paralegals and legal assistants that deliver on our commitment to client service every day. The firm’s administrative and business team comprises Business Development and Marketing, Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
“I have absolutely loved working for Carmody…I have been treated wonderfully by management and have always been made to feel like part of the team.”
Xinia Vasquez, Legal Assistant
We welcome staff members who are motivated to work as part of a team and are committed to delivering exemplary service.
Carmody recognizes that our differences make us a stronger team. We nurture a collegial and inclusive culture valuing all who contribute to the success of the firm. Visit our Inclusion page for more on our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
We also support our team of professional staff through a robust compensation and benefits package, including extensive vacation, sick and personal leave, paid parental leave, long-term and short-term disability benefits, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, and a profit-sharing plan with employer contribution.
Current Openings
IP Paralegal – New Haven (Non-Remote)
Carmody is seeking an IP Paralegal to join our dynamic, high performing legal team and who can play an integral part supporting our IP lawyers with all aspects of filing and maintaining US and non-US patent applications and issued patents. A knowledge of US and non-US trademark practice is a strong plus. Moreover, this is a great opportunity for an exceedingly organized individual looking to make an immediate, positive difference to an impactful IP team. Position Responsibilities:- Assist and coordinate with IP lawyers and non-US agents with respect to all US and non-US patent and trademark prosecution matters;
- Monitor due dates and provide timely reminders to responsible lawyers/agents and clients for all US and non-US deadlines;
- Prepare and file US and PCT applications, coordinate with non-US agents for filing priority and/or national stage applications, including for both utility and design patent applications;
- Examine all incoming PCT communications, ensuring timely reporting and handling of all needed responses, including search reports, written opinions, IPRP’s, and other formal actions;
- Review and docket incoming US and non-US office actions and reporting, including (e.g.), deadlines, POA’s, assignments, declarations, certified copies, etc., status checks, requests for examination, publications, responses to office actions, notices of allowance, issue fee payments, and all related docketing;
- Analyze correspondence received from the USPTO, WIPO, and non-US agents and patent offices, and ensure accuracy of information for docketing purposes;
- Utilize knowledge, and experience to independently assist and anticipate appropriate responses and/or course of actions in connection with patent and trademark prosecution matters;
- Actively manage Outlook Inbox correspondence with clients, agents, worldwide patent offices, and WIPO;
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of docket databases to create specialized reports and make appropriate changes as necessary;
- Sustain working knowledge of changes in international patent prosecution rules, and work with IP attorneys to suggest/implement procedural modifications to accommodate changes;
- Generate patent and trademark prosecution cost estimates as requested;
- Prepare weekly and monthly docket reports or as otherwise requested and provide docket annotations as requested and/or appropriate;
- Work closely with the IP lawyers and docketing staff to coordinate workflow of all patent and trademark prosecution matters.
- Undergraduate degree, paralegal certificate, or commensurate working experience;
- At least 10 years of experience in a law firm or corporation as a patent paralegal;
- Significant knowledge of Anaqua or equivalent docket management software;
- Experience with patent office databases, including USPTO systems (PAIR, PatentCenter, TSDR), WIPO Patentscope, the EPO Patent Register, and EUIPO eSearch, as well as public databases in other jurisdictions;
- Possess working knowledge and keep abreast of rules according to USPTO procedures, the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), and the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP);
- Exceptional attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, prioritize work and work independently;
- Strong interpersonal skills, versatile and adaptable, ability to multi-task in fast-paced environment;
- Excellent work ethic, integrity, and commitment to professionalism;
- Strong team player;
- Creative and entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
Legal Assistant – Stamford (Non-Remote)
Carmody’s Stamford office has an opportunity for an experienced Legal Assistant to join the firm’s Real Estate & Land Use team. Carmody represents individuals, developers and investors in a broad range of real estate matters. Carmody’s Land Use team counsels clients on all aspects of zoning and permitting, works with development teams, and represents clients in front of municipal boards and state agencies, litigating zoning issues and representing clients in appeals. This position supports the delivery of quality client services by providing administrative support to attorneys working in these complex and exciting areas. Skill Requirements:- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to efficiently manage multiple assignments, calendars and scheduling
- Excellent organizational and follow up skills
- The ability to work independently
- Must possess strong attention to detail
- Proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to support multiple lawyers as primary assignments and also provide back-up assistance to others as assigned
- At least 3 years’ legal administrative assistant experience
- Working knowledge of LMS+ timekeeping software
- Working knowledge of Worldox or other document management system