Director of Patent Operations

Michael Best is seeking a high-energy individual with a passion for cutting-edge technologies and processes, and a commitment to excellent client service, adherence to adapting best practices and minimizing risk.

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The Director of Patent Operations (Director) is responsible for overseeing the processes, procedures, and administration of the Patent Prosecution and Opinions Subgroup (Subgroup) of the Intellectual Property Practice Group and ensuring consistent and efficient delivery of client service, streamlined processes, and profitable operations.

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Responsibilities

The Director will play a key role in shaping the firm’s patent practice, influencing key decisions and driving initiatives that have a direct impact on the firm’s success. The three main areas of responsibility will be strategic planning and implementation, operational and financial management, and personnel management. 

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Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• Assist in developing a strategic plan for the Subgroup, inclusive of revenue targets, personnel, and cross-sales with other practices.
• Collaborate with key firm stakeholders cross-functionally, including legal talent, business development, human resources, and recruiting, to execute practice group and Firm strategic plans, short term and long term.

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Operational and Financial Management:

• Manage the Subgroup in a profitable manner.
• Review and monitor financial reports on inventory, revenue, realization, and productivity.
• Assess new clients and matters to ensure staffing, rates, and pricing are appropriate.
• Identify and participate in process improvement opportunities for the Subgroup, including working with Firm-level resources such as Technology, HR, and billing.
• Provide regular reports to the Chief Legal Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Managing Partner, and other Firm leaders.

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Personnel Management:

• Develop optimal staffing model and manage hiring recommendations to realize that model.
• Oversee and monitor timekeeper production to appropriate metrics and regularly identify those timekeepers that are falling short.
• Oversee planning for and onboarding of new and lateral timekeepers.
• Collaborate with Office Administrators on management and efficient use of patent support staff.
• Establish and maintain clear and consistent lines of communication with Department Leaders and team members.
• Maintain oversight, training, and mentoring of practice group support team.
• Conduct regular performance management of support team, including the formal annual review process, to assure operational excellence and a high level of client satisfaction.

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Reporting Structure:

• Reports To: Chief Legal Operations Officer.
• Works directly with the IP Practice Group Chair and Subgroup leaders.
• Directly Manages: May have up to 4 direct reports such as Docketing & IP Support Services Manager, IP Paralegal Manager, IP Legal Client Specialists.

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The Ideal Candidate will have:

• 5+ years of management experience in a law firm, in-house legal department, consulting firm or comparable experience elsewhere.
• Proven experience in supervising a team of 3 or more direct reports and managing a department of over 25 timekeepers or employees.
• Demonstrated success in operational improvements and adaptation of new technologies in a professional service setting.
• Strong change management leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Advanced procedural document writing skills.
• Basic understanding of US and foreign patent and trademark procedures is preferred but not required.
• Must have a “hands on” tactical approach, with ability to be a strategic thinker.
• Understanding of financial and production concepts and measurements.

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It is Advantageous if the Candidate has the Following:

• Advanced degree in related field or equivalent education/experience.
• Process improvement certification such as Lean Six Sigma, Certified Business Process Professional, or Certified Process Improvement Specialist.
• Advanced knowledge of IP Management and Document Management Software and understanding of IP docketing software.

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The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

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We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

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The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. The primary location for this job posting will be based in Southeast Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison), but Chicago and Denver will be considered. Quarterly travel will be expected to our various office locations.

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Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

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Performance Metrics & Bonus Opportunity

We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. Anticipated compensation for this position is $225,000+. The compensation for this position includes eligibility for discretionary year-end merit bonus based on: overall firm performance; performance of the patent practice; and individual performance.

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 Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

 Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

 Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 9 Paid Holidays

 Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Healthy Work-Life Balance
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

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To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal. 

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We are not accepting search firm submissions at this time.

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Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.