Attorney Advisor (Trademark Examining Attorney) for USPTO Forum

[Anonymous User]

Be careful what you wish for, as this is not the job it was several years ago or even one year ago. Changes imposed by management have greatly increased the amount of work trademark examiners are expected to do without any corresponding increase in compensation. This is an issue at the hiring level of GS-11 and it gets progressively worse as you ascend to a GS-14. Production rates that may have been considered "outstanding" under the old performance appraisal plan can now be merely "marginal" under the new one, even for experienced people. And our union has determined that it is powerless to do anything about it.

[xmgr]

That's not totally surprising as they drastically cut the number of people they hired in the last cycle. SOunds like there may be more turnover in the ranks if this is the case.

[Anonymous User]

Notice from HR asking to re-submit my bar credentials. Seems like they are reviewing applications this week so I expect written requests will be sometime next week.

[Anonymous User]

Got a referral email and request for a writing sample this afternoon.

[Anonymous User]

Just out of curiosity, does everyone who submits an application get a request for a written statement?

[S.P.F. 30]

Just out of curiosity, does everyone who submits an application get a request for a written statement?

More than likely not. All applications undergo an initial screening by HR to make sure the applicant meets the base qualifications for the posting (J.D., good standing with the Bar, not a Software Bot making $53/hr at home, etc.). The applications that meet the qualifications are then referred to the Selecting Official(s) for further review. Out of that batch, the Selecting Official(s) will then send out requests for written statements.

[Anonymous User]

Haven't received any request for written statement, though did two years ago before had any experience. Not going to worry unless havent heard something for a couple more weeks. Did receive a transcript verification last week which I provided.

[Anonymous User]

Writing Sample Request received 11/16, due by 11/21.

[Anonymous User]

How important is this written sample in determining who gets an interview?

[Anonymous User]

How important is this written sample in determining who gets an interview?

My understanding is that each step is a prerequisite to advance forward for consideration. Application > Sample Request > Interview Request > Offer.

[Anonymous User]

At this point, do you guys think the interviews will take place in December or more like January? My guess is that we won’t getting invites until the first or second week of December.

[Anonymous User]

At this point, do you guys think the interviews will take place in December or more like January? My guess is that we won’t getting invites until the first or second week of December.

The interviews should be held across the first three weeks of January and not bump into holiday travel. Interview invitations won't go out until early December. Because of the sheer amount of interviews they will conduct and that the applicants are nationwide, they will need time to be able to coordinate such a large schedule.

[AnonLawStudent]

At this point, do you guys think the interviews will take place in December or more like January? My guess is that we won’t getting invites until the first or second week of December.

The interviews should be held across the first three weeks of January and not bump into holiday travel. Interview invitations won't go out until early December. Because of the sheer amount of interviews they will conduct and that the applicants are nationwide, they will need time to be able to coordinate such a large schedule.

That makes sense. Thanks for the reply. Fingers crossed that we get an invite! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know approximately how many people will get invites to the first round of interviews?

[Anonymous User]

For the Examining Attorneys who have raised how the recent changes in policy/management have drastically change the job/production requirements, can you please elaborate further? Is it impossible to do the job without working overtime? What did a day used to look like years ago/even a year ago vs. now?

Part of my motivation for applying for this job is the supposed work-life balance, and being able to be done at 5:00 pm, as opposed to my current position which requires me to stay until 7-8 pm every night. Is the work life balance for this position now out the door? Or does this change in management just mainly impact accessibility to production bonuses (albeit unfairly)?

I recognize that things will take longer in the first year of being trained, but would really dread it if the same time demands that I am trying to get away from will be here as well long-term. Really appreciate any insight, especially because this job would require a cut in pay and a lot of sacrifices for my family to move cross country. I don't want to regret it, or not know what I am getting into, operating under the assumptions/premises of what the job used to be, but is no longer. Thanks very much for your insight.

[Anonymous User]

Honestly, the recent change in production is a mixed bag. One of the major changes was that previously, there was a certain amount of time built-in for time off. Now, all of your time off (holiday, personal leave, sick leave, etc) lowers your production output. That being said, taking time off is now to your benefit (whereas under the old plan, a certain amount was just automatically assumed). For many, it's really too early to tell. The last quarter was a transition period and this is the first quarter under the new plan, so they're still working a lot of things out.

That being said, personally, the new plan actually reduced my output requirements quite a bit this quarter because of the holidays and the amount of time I've taken off. It won't be that way every quarter. I still have never worked overtime unless I wanted to though. You won't be working more than 80 hours a biweek unless you're really behind for some reason. I think some of the complaining really blows it out of proportion.

Your output requirements go up as you increase in GS level, so that's also a factor, but you generally get quicker as time progresses. It's something that is in the back of my mind, but so far I haven't worried too much about.

That being said, it's worth mentioning that if you're interested in teleworking full time, they'll tell you after 2 years but realistically it's more like 2.5-3 because of some of the requirements. (At least if you're wanting to move away from the DC area, you can after 2 years in the DC area). As someone who relocated for this job a while ago, I can definitely say I don't regret it yet. While the pay is lower than what you'll make in the private sector, the hours and flexibility are difficult to beat.

[Anonymous User]

Thank you so very much!!! As the person who posted above, I wasn't sure if anyone would take the time to address my concerns. I am so grateful for your comments - I feel reassured in our family decision to move if I were to get this position. Now just hanging tight and praying for requests for interview! Thank you again, and happy holidays!

[Anonymous User]

Has anyone heard anything new yet this week? Anyone received an interview invitation yet? I know others mentioned early/first two weeks of December interview invites would be going out, thought I'd check in.

[Anonymous User]

I haven't heard anything; I'm anxiously waiting. This is such a long process.

[autonomousanonymous]

Me neither. I had the same email for the questions emailed Nov 16 and due Nov 21. I check my email & this forum 10x a day.

In the meantime, what did the french trademark lawyer say to her husband?
Je™

[Anonymous User]

I am so glad I’m not alone! I got the same request for written statement on the 16th due on the 21st and I also check this forum and my email religiously. It’s getting obnoxious lol

[Anonymous User]

Just got my interview email today. Looks like I'm headed to DC mid-January.

I just found this thread and website through searching the two people who sent me the interview invitation. I'll scan through the thread as I can, but are there any good highlights y'all can point to? (Job experience, interview tips, people of interest, etc.). I recently passed the July 2019 bar, but I interned at the USPTO in 2018.

[Anonymous User]

If you don’t mind me asking, which day did you submit your writing sample?

[Anonymous User]

If you don’t mind me asking, which day did you submit your writing sample?

I submitted the writing sample on November 21 (last day). Immediately got an "out of office" response. Received interview invite on December 11.

[Anonymous User]

Did anybody else get an invite? I still haven’t heard anything...