The IP Practice Manager - Litigation (“PM”) will work closely with others in IP Section Management to coordinate efficient and optimal administration of the IP Litigation Practice.  The PM will serve as the IP Litigation point person and will coordinate with other administrative departments.  This position reports to the Chair, Intellectual Property Litigation Practice (the “Chair”) with a dotted line to the Senior Manager of Attorney Development and Coaching.




Vaccination against COVID-19:



Providing proof that you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of employment, unless you have a medical or religious basis precluding vaccination for which you are legally entitled to an exemption and that the exemption can be accommodated by the firm. Consistent with this requirement, prior to your start date, you will be required to provide proof that you have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. Generally, we consider an employee eligible for the booster if they completed the primary series of the vaccine at least six months ago and have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 90 days. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.




Responsibilities:



Day-to-day management of IP Litigation Associates, Of Counsel, Special Counsel, Contract Attorneys and Technical Advisors (“IP Litigation Professionals”), including regular check-ins.


Work with Attorney Development Team to develop, review and update Training Programs.


Participate in compensation and bonus process for IP Litigation Professionals.


Draft composites for IP Litigation Professionals.


Coordinate and participate in Evaluation Meetings and Mid-Year Check-ins for IP Litigation Professionals.


Review and edit composites for Paralegals and lead Annual Evaluation Meetings.


Guide process to determine which IP Litigation Technical Advisors to sponsor for law school program, and monitor their participation.


Work with IP Litigation Professionals on Professional Development Plans.


Participate in Associate membership elevation process and provide analysis and support for Section Management during elevation evaluation process.


Coordinate with Members, IP Patent Prosecution Practice Manager, Practice Coordinator and Special Counsel re: workflow management for IP Litigation Professionals and Paralegals (including monitoring and updating IP Litigation Staffing Spreadsheet and Org Chart).


Coordinate staffing for Project Analysts and Summer Associates.


Improve management of IP Litigation case work and staffing, promote regular meetings.


Identify external opportunities for professional development for IP Litigation Professionals, including participation in professional organizations, attendance at conferences and networking events, and participation in professional development programs such as those offered by the USPTO or The Chamber.

Coordinate and oversee participation by Associates in Framingham D.A. rotation.


Identify and encourage appropriate IP Litigation Professionals to take and pass the Patent Bar, monitor their progress, approve related expenses, etc.


Be a resource and work with Paralegal Manager, Senior Paralegal and Special Counsel regarding issues and concerns as they arise.  Coordinate with Special Counsel and Senior Paralegal with respect to IP Litigation Practice-specific training and professional development opportunities.


Develop IP Litigation handbook and templates including post matter closing analysis and team debrief on how to improve resource allocation (staffing) and work processes and procedures.


Work with the Chair and the Division Head in connection with IP Litigation Professional and Paralegal hiring initiatives (including reviewing resumes and participating in interviews as part of screening process).


Work with Recruiting and Section Management to improve hiring pipeline for Technical Advisors.


Help integrate new Members and IP Litigation Professionals, Project Analysts, and Summer Associates into the IP Litigation Practice.


Monitor time entry, efficiency and profitability of IP Litigation Professionals.


Review and approve expenses, travel and event attendance for IP Litigation Practice, and assist with budget preparation and reporting.


Coordinate with Section Management, Members, and Finance to identify and resolve billing and collection issues.


Work with Paralegal Manager with respect to employee relations and performance management.


Manage on-ramp and off-ramp for Members and IP Litigation Professionals (including tracking timing of parental and other leaves and coordinating coverage for those on leave).


Manage transitions out of the firm for all Members and IP Litigation Professionals.


Promote IP Division and firm DEI initiatives, support diverse and women IP Litigation Professionals, and coordinate monthly IP Diversity meetings.


Coordinate scheduling of and agendas for Quarterly IP Division Meetings, IP Member Meetings, and Section Social Events.


Develop and supervise Practice Coordinator.


Travel regularly to other offices.


Assume additional responsibilities as requested.


This role requires 60% in office presence; remote work is permissible 40% of the time.




Qualifications:



Bachelor’s degree required. J.D. or MBA degree preferred.


5+ years of experience in a large law firm—a portion of which should be working in professional development and/or human resources.


Understanding of law firm economics.


Strong analytical abilities, project management and organizational skills.


Facility analyzing, working with and presenting data.


Ability to collaborate and gain the respect, trust, and confidence of the Firm’s attorneys and professional staff.


Possess a creative, proactive, and “hands-on” approach to problem solving.


Facilitate teamwork and identify opportunities to develop new processes/infrastructure.


Demonstrated ability to grasp and implement new concepts quickly.


Strong analytical abilities, resourcefulness, and attention to detail.


Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a way that fosters collaborative working relationships.


Outstanding sense of customer service, with demonstrated ability to instill this in others. 


Strong leadership and management abilities.


Deep personal commitment to integrity, excellent judgment, and the highest standards of ethics.


Must display the highest level of diplomacy, tact and discretion, with comfort in handling and maintaining confidential information.


Experience in employee relations, performance improvement and separations.


Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint. 





This job description is a general description of the types of responsibilities that are required of an individual in this job.  It is not intended to be a complete list of the responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required for this job.