Lee & Hayes, PC is seeking a Director of IP Docketing to join our Spokane office. This position will implement and manage policies, procedures, processes, systems and staff to effectively support the docketing needs of the firm's patent and trademark practice.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the overall operation of the Docketing Department to ensure 100% docket clearance and compliance with department policies and procedures.
- Supervise day-to-day operations of the IP Docketing personnel and serve as first-level response to docket questions and inquiries from the docketing staff and patent attorneys/agents.
- Guarantees that all deadlines concerning the IP docket database have been satisfied by the end of each business day.
- Keeps up-to-date on USPTO procedural changes and performs research to clarify patent rules.
- Maintains a thorough knowledge of the docket database to create specialized reports and makes appropriate changes as necessary.
- Troubleshoots docket management problems and implements solutions, including database audit, file review, mail review, and/or communication with the Docketing department staff.
- Sets clear performance expectations and measurements for the Docketing department staff.
- Maintains high standards for internal/external client service and quality control.
- Nurtures new ideas and concepts. Identifies, leads, and manages innovative approaches to challenges and works with firm leadership to evolve operations and system processes that increase efficiency and mitigate risk.
- Manages client transitions, including completing portfolio imports and exports and ensures that files are properly reviewed for accuracy and timely input of matter information.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent, plus 5+ years experience in intellectual property.
- Patent Paralegal or Patent Docketing experience and knowledge of law firm practices with a thorough knowledge and significant understanding of the patent process, patent docketing, and all aspects of U.S. and foreign filings.
- Prior experience in a supervisory capacity.
- Experience with USPTO systems and resources, i.e., PAIR, Patent Center, WIPO, and international databases.
- Working knowledge of legal and IP-specific software, e.g., EFS-Web, PCT-SAFE, ePCT, etc.
Qualifications
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills to direct and lead a department of 10 staff members.
- Ability to train and coach others, including designing and presenting materials for effective training.
- Ability to multi-task, set priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise independent judgment required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to utilize creative thinking to solve complex problems required.
- Proficient with the USPTO EFS filing system, M.S. Office, and other related databases
- Ability to be resourceful, professional and able to work well under pressure required.
- High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations with poise, tact, and diplomacy.
Compensation & Benefits
The annualized salary range for this position in Washington is $100,000 - $135,000. The base salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, market factors, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Lee & Hayes, PC offers our employees a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Eligible employees are qualified for health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, long-term disability, Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), life insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k), paid parental leave, paid time off, at least ten paid holidays each year, identity protection insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EPA). Additional voluntary benefits programs include voluntary accident insurance, voluntary life, voluntary disability, voluntary long-term care, and pet insurance. The firm also offers extensive wellness benefits and work flexibility to support the work-life balance of each employee.
ABOUT LEE & HAYES, PC
Lee & Hayes, PC is a pre-eminent intellectual property law firm with expertise beyond the basics of IP. Our highly accomplished IP attorneys and agents take pride in their work by providing utility patents, design patents, trademark, copyright, and litigation services to businesses ranging from the Fortune 100 to leading-edge start-ups. We center our firm around three core values to provide the best possible experience for our clients in conjunction with providing an exceptional environment for our employees.
- Service Excellence: At Lee & Hayes, PC, we understand that we succeed when our clients succeed. We focus on building strong relationships with our clients and with each other as a team.
- Relationship Centered: We care about each other and realize we are more than just service providers; we are partners.
- Stewardship: The Lee & Hayes community believes that each of us are stewards, and we exist to serve more than our own needs. At Lee & Hayes, we are accountable to serve our clients, colleagues, families, and communities.
These core values serve as guideposts to direct daily decision-making and focus our efforts toward common goals.
We work hard to create a positive work environment that supports our employees' professional and personal success. This is accomplished through flexible scheduling, a culture of compassion and respect, mentorship programs, and regular opportunities for feedback. We believe that by providing our employees with these resources, we can foster a productive, positive, and inclusive work atmosphere.
Awards & Recognition
Lee & Hayes, PC is recognized as one of the nation's highest-quality patent law firms across a broad spectrum of industry sectors and organizations such as:
- Intellectual Asset Management - IAM Patent 300 & 1000
- IP Stars from Managing IP
- World Trademark Review - WTR 1000
- U.S. News – Best Lawyers®
- Super Lawyers®
- USPTO Data - Among Top Producers of Originally Drafted Patents
- Intellectual Property Owners Association
- Best Places to Work - Inland Northwest
Lee & Hayes, PC is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. All employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, competence, and business need. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the firm's policy to provide an environment that is free of all unlawful harassment, including, without limitation, that based on sex, race, age, disability, or national origin.
Contact: For confidential consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume.
For more information on about Lee & Hayes, PC, please visit leehayes.com.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Commute:
- Spokane, WA 99201 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Spokane, WA 99201: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
