Nicole Banks
Kyle,TX
Summary
Hard working, detail-oriented, dedicated and dependable candidate that exhibits strong leadership and customer service qualities. Takes initiative while working independently and as a member of a team, with a willingness to do what it takes within reason to meet team goals. Firm believer in the idea that learning never stops and team work makes the dream work. Positively and energetically strives to produce highest quality work product with a high degree of accuracy while simultaneously encouraging others.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
IP Specialist
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
05.2022 - Current
- Serve as support for 2 Partners, 3 attorneys and a paralegal when present
- Actively manage docket to ensure attorneys are abreast of current status of deadlines and run dockets where necessary, updating with color code, to help team complete deadlines in timely fashion
- Draft response templates via Microsoft Word for attorneys for actions received from the USPTO as needed
- Prepare expense reports as requested, assist with invoice related tasks
- Utilize Microsoft Suite, and Adobe applications to complete edits and requests as needed
- Facilitate correspondence templates to new team members and trainees, aiding in overall attorney practice to ensure prompt completion of tasks across the team as necessary and assist with record-keeping.
- Facilitate correspondence to proper channels as needed.
- Calmly and professionally execute urgent tasks under high pressured circumstances
- Draft correspondence to client communicating pertinent information about their patent portfolio for attorney use.
- Maintain client correspondence records and ensure the client’s tracking systems remain current.
- Report respective communications from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to clientele
- Correspond with firm clientele/foreign agents, etc. via Outlook, and clientele systems
- Ensure prompt responses to email inquiries and display professionalism in all interactions
- Research, generate and update case status reports and IP Schedules for clientele
- Attend to tasks for every stage of parent prosecution for National and International deadlines from Application Filing to Patent issuance, reviewing work product in each stage to ensure minimal error.
- Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Use critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Demonstrate respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Demonstrate creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Act as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Identify issues, analyze information and provide solutions to problems.
- Facilitate information regarding attorney practices to new hires and serve as in office trainer for practice assistant
Legal Secretary
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
10.2019 - 05.2022
- Serve as support for 1 Partner, 4 attorneys and a paralegal
- Actively manage docket to ensure attorneys are abreast of current status of deadlines and run dockets where necessary, updating with color code, to help team complete deadlines in timely fashion
- Draft response templates via Microsoft Word for attorneys for actions received from the USPTO
- Prepare expense reports as requested, assist with invoice related tasks
- Utilize Microsoft Suite, and Adobe applications to complete edits and requests as needed
- Facilitate correspondence templates aiding in overall attorney practice to ensure prompt completion of tasks across the team as necessary and assist with recordkeeping.
- Facilitate correspondence to proper channels as needed.
- Calmly and professionally execute urgent tasks under high pressured circumstances
- Draft correspondence to client communicating pertinent information about their patent portfolio for attorney use.
- Schedule Meetings with clientele both virtually (including phone, Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom) and physically (ranging from booking company conference rooms to booking flight and hotel stays).
- Maintain client correspondence records and ensure the client’s tracking systems remain current.
- Report respective communications from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to clientele
- Correspond with firm clientele/foreign agents, etc. via Outlook, and clientele systems
- Ensure prompt responses to email inquiries and display professionalism in all interactions
- Research, generate and update case status reports and IP Schedules for clientele
- Attend to tasks for every stage of parent prosecution for National and International deadlines from Application Filing to Patent issuance, reviewing work product in each stage to ensure minimal error.
- Assist with matters of patent litigation as needed, including filings with the court where necessary
- Facilitate information regarding attorney practices to new paralegal hires and serve as in office trainer for practice assistant
Senior Practice Assistant
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Serve as support for 1 Partner, 4 attorneys and 1 paralegal
- Actively manage docket to ensure attorneys are abreast of current status of deadlines and run dockets where necessary, updating with color code, to help team complete deadlines in timely fashion
- Draft response templates via Microsoft Word for attorneys for actions received from the USPTO
- Prepare expense reports as requested, assist with invoice related tasks
- Utilize Microsoft Suite, and Adobe applications to complete edits and requests as needed
- Facilitate correspondence templates aiding in overall attorney practice to ensure prompt completion of tasks across the team as necessary and assist with recordkeeping.
- Facilitate correspondence to proper channels as needed.
- Calmly and professionally execute urgent tasks under high pressured circumstances
- Serve as acting paralegal during personnel changes
- Draft correspondence to client communicating pertinent information about their patent portfolio for attorney use.
- Schedule Meetings with clientele both virtually (including phone, Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom) and physically (ranging from booking company conference rooms to booking flight and hotel stays).
- Maintain client correspondence records and ensure the client’s tracking systems remain current.
- Report respective communications from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to clientele
- Correspond with firm clientele/foreign agents, etc. via Outlook, and clientele systems
- Ensure prompt responses to email inquiries and display professionalism in all interactions
- Research, generate and update case status reports and IP Schedules for clientele
- Attend to tasks for every stage of parent prosecution for National and International deadlines from Application Filing to Patent issuance, reviewing work product in each stage to ensure minimal error.
- Aid in drafting job description for hiring new practice assistant and assist in training the same
Administrative Assistant
Jordan IP Law, LLC
02.2017 - 06.2018
- Served as administrative support for five Patent Attorneys
- Maintained perspective Attorney dockets and kept attorneys abreast of incoming deadlines
- Communicated with team regarding deadline statuses to see deadlines to completion
- Docketed new deadlines from USPTO communications via the Foundation IP system
- Utilized Microsoft Office 365, and Adobe applications to complete tasks as needed
- Prepared and filed electronic Patent Applications, responses in every stage of prosecution via USPTO
- Prepared formal documents for inventor signature and requested execution thereof
- Managed and maintained organization of physical and digital file records
- Completed basic invoicing for attorney work and filing fees
- Maintained and updated firm/clientele databases
- Prepared response templates for attorneys for actions received from the USPTO
- Corresponded with firm clientele via Outlook, phone, and clientele systems,
- Assisted in training new employees per JIPL regulations
- Maintained a note system that contributed to the firm training manual for new hires
Front Desk Security/Receptionist
Admiral Security
06.2016 - 02.2017
- Professionally greeted all tenants and visitors upon entrance and exit, ensuring all were properly signed in/out, while directing all to their desired destination
- Identified unusual activity to prevent future difficulties, safety issues, or problems
- Responded promptly with good judgment to either correct a situation or summon assistance
- Recorded important events if observed, succeeded by a report when warranted, through emergency channels
- Directed phone calls, while managing appointment logistics
- Prescreened new employee applicants, conducted preliminary evaluations, and managed scheduling of new hire orientations and interviews
Receptionist
Towson University-Department of Music
08.2013 - 12.2016
- Administratively supported Departmental Chair, Administrative Assistant, staff and students
- Arranged food and beverage for departmental meetings and training courses
- Efficiently trained new student hires
- Created, updated, edited and allocated departmental templates, documents, and programs
- Seasonally conducted inventory of departmental supplies
- Promptly, and energetically answered, and directed calls
Education
Bachelor of Science - Music
Towson University
Towson, MD12.2016
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Detail Oriented
- IP Prosecution Docket Maintenance
- Problem Resolution
- Project Management
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Microsoft Office
- Type Speed: 80 wpm
- Research
- Presentation
- Oral/written communication
- Strong leadership and customer service
- Initiative
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Analytical Thinking
- Dependable and Responsible
References
- Brenda Austin-Sigur, Jordan IP Law, LLC, brendadaleaustin@gmail.com, (202) 683-9317
- Debra Walker, Towson University Administrative Assistant, dwalker@towson.edu, (410) 704-2840
- John Spivey, Towson University Computer/Audio Manager, jspivey@towson.edu, (410) 704-4633
- Eileen Hayes, Towson University Department Chair, ehayes@towson.edu, (410) 704-2143
- Huedell George, Director of Docketing at Foley and Lardner, mrdellgeorge@gmail.com, (202) 734-8353
- Areasa Quinton, Praise and Worship Director at Diakonos Ministries, aquinton1008@gmail.com, (512) 567-8043
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
French
Elementary
German
Elementary
Timeline
IP Specialist
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
05.2022 - Current
Legal Secretary
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
10.2019 - 05.2022
Senior Practice Assistant
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
08.2018 - 10.2019
Administrative Assistant
Jordan IP Law, LLC
02.2017 - 06.2018
Front Desk Security/Receptionist
Admiral Security
06.2016 - 02.2017
Receptionist
Towson University-Department of Music
08.2013 - 12.2016
Bachelor of Science - Music
Towson University