IP/Patent Administrator- San Francisco or Santa Monica office

Goodwin

San Francisco (CA)

On-site

USD 86,000 - 107,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement & Savings Plan

Professional development opportunities

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking an IP Administrator to support its Patent practice in San Francisco. This role involves preparing legal documents and managing the administrative aspects of domestic patent prosecution. The ideal candidate will have 3-6 years of relevant experience and strong skills in communication and organization. The position offers a competitive salary range of $86,000 - $107,000, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

3-6 years of experience in domestic patent prosecution in a law firm is preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.

Responsibilities

Prepare legal documents for domestic patent prosecution.
Manage the administrative aspects of U.S. patent prosecution.
Organize and maintain electronic files and IP data.

Skills

Domestic patent prosecution experience

Microsoft Outlook proficiency

Microsoft Word proficiency

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do. Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world‑class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward‑thinking peers. The IP Administrator (IPA) supports the firm’s Patent practice by managing a wide range of responsibilities related to domestic patent prosecution. This role is responsible for preparing and filing legal documents, maintaining accurate dockets and electronic files, ensuring data integrity, and supporting communication among attorneys, clients and internal teams. The IPA serves as a key liaison between practitioners and both internal and external stakeholders. Success in this position requires strong collaboration, excellent communication and technical skills, and the ability to prioritize effectively in a deadline-driven, high-volume environment.

What You’ll Do

Prepare legal documents, reports, and correspondence related to domestic patent prosecution for attorneys and clients.
Prepare and file required documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in a timely and accurate manner.
Manage the administrative aspects of U.S. patent prosecution and ensure compliance with applicable rules, guidelines and procedures.
Support attorneys in managing their dockets in accordance with firm policies and established procedures.
Organize, update and maintain electronic files, intellectual property data, ensuring accuracy and adherence to firm protocols.
Review and process official communications from patent offices, including the USPTO.
Open new matters, update existing matters, and process conflict checks in alignment with firm requirements.
Performs general administrative tasks and provide support as requested.

Who You Are

A minimum of three to six (3-6) years of domestic patent prosecution experience in a law firm or professional services environment; law firm experience strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel; strong general computer and database management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Effective time management, organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities, especially in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize responsibilities efficiently.
High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Ability to work effectively with colleagues at all levels and contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment.
Flexibility to respond calmly and effectively in stressful situations or rapidly changing circumstances.
Reliable, punctual and capable of meeting deadlines under pressure.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of firm and client information.