IP Docketing Supervisor

Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the nation's premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers across the United States. 

Akerman is seeking an IP Docketing Supervisor to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Firm's intellectual property docketing function across U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters. This role combines strong technical IP docketing expertise with people leadership and operational support. The IP Docketing Supervisor serves as a key resource to attorneys, paralegals, and professional staff while helping ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in patent and trademark docketing, a commitment to quality and risk management, and the ability to mentor and support a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Supervise, mentor, and support IP docketing professionals; assist with training, development, cross-training, and performance management initiatives.
2. Coordinate team workloads and coverage to help ensure deadlines, service levels, and quality standards are consistently met.
3. Oversee U.S. and foreign patent and trademark docketing activities, including matters involving the USPTO, PCT, EPO, WIPO, and foreign associates.
4. Ensure the accurate docketing of incoming correspondence, filings, and deadlines, resolving discrepancies and complex rule-based issues as needed.
5. Serve as a subject matter resource and power user for the Firm's IP management systems, helping maintain data integrity, workflow efficiency, and user adoption.
6. Participate in IP management system upgrades, testing, workflow enhancements, and other technology-related initiatives.
7. Assist with the development, maintenance, and implementation of docketing procedures, standard operating procedures, and best practices.
8. Support quality assurance and audit processes designed to identify and mitigate risk.
9. Prepare and analyze reports, productivity metrics, and operational data to support department objectives.
10. Serve as a trusted resource to attorneys, paralegals, and professional staff by communicating docketing procedures, standards, and system updates.
11. Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, vendors, IT, and practice leadership to enhance workflows, training, and service delivery.
12. Participate in special projects requiring docketing expertise, analytical thinking, and historical knowledge of IP processes.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
2. Minimum of 5 years of intellectual property docketing experience covering U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters in a law firm environment.
3. 1-3 years of supervisory, team lead, mentoring, or training experience within an IP docketing function preferred.
4. Strong knowledge of U.S. patent rules, PCT procedures, EPO guidelines, and foreign filing requirements.
5. Hands-on experience with IP management systems, including docket maintenance, workflow management, and data integrity.
6. Experience with CPI and Foundation IP (FIP) strongly preferred.
7. Experience supporting established docketing procedures, policies, SOPs, and quality standards.
8. Advanced Excel skills with the ability to generate reports, analyze data, and monitor productivity metrics.
9. Familiarity with document management systems (iManage or NetDocuments), financial systems (Elite 3E or Aderant), and Intapp Open preferred.
10. Demonstrated ability to mentor and train team members while building productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
11. Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
12. Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy in a deadline-driven environment.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. EOE  

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