Senior Manager, Intellectual Property Practice Operations

Description

This role provides firmwide leadership for intellectual property prosecution operations, overseeing patent and trademark administration while ensuring efficient, compliant, and scalable legal support processes. The position combines people leadership, operational management, and subject-matter expertise to support attorneys and clients across domestic and international IP matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee teams supporting IP prosecution, including docketing personnel, patent agents, patent law clerks, and IP administrative staff

• Manage foreign and U.S. IP prosecution dockets encompassing patents, trademarks, and copyrights

• Develop, refine, and implement best practices and standardized procedures to improve efficiency and legal process quality

• Serve as a central IP liaison with internal departments and maintain relationships with external agencies and relevant third parties

• Monitor developments in domestic and international IP law, advising attorneys on trends and procedural considerations

• Supervise and execute complex or specialized IP projects in support of attorneys and client needs

• Oversee case and client intake, file transfers, and prosecution support workflows

• Coordinate and support training and professional development initiatives for IP Administration staff

• Review departmental spending, manage the IP Administration budget, and monitor related expenses

• Delegate responsibilities, evaluate staff performance, and prepare performance reviews and development plans

• Maintain oversight of IP records management, including the IP file room

• Provide hands-on support for general prosecution administration functions as needed

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree required; equivalent relevant experience considered

• Minimum eight years of intellectual property–related experience

• At least three years of supervisory or people management experience

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

• Experience using electronic IP research tools and the USPTO website

• Hands-on experience with IP docketing systems, including Inprotech

• Familiarity with SAEGIS and Coresearch preferred

Professional & Leadership Skills

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously

• Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to function as a collaborative team leader

• Sound judgment and attention to detail when managing sensitive and high-stakes IP matters

• Flexibility to work additional hours and travel as required