IP Docketing Leader: Patent & Trademark Operations

Akerman-LL; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Akerman seeks an IP Docketing Supervisor to lead the firm’s docketing function for US and foreign patent and trademark matters. You will mentor staff, manage workloads, and ensure accuracy, deadlines, and quality across a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has extensive docketing experience, strong risk management, and the ability to guide ongoing process improvements. This senior role offers leadership opportunities within a premier national law firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent educational experience.
• 5+ years of intellectual property docketing experience for US and foreign patent/trademark matters in a law firm.
• 1–3 years of supervisory or team lead experience in IP docketing.
• Strong knowledge of US patent rules, PCT procedures, and foreign filing requirements.
• Hands-on experience with IP management systems: docketing, workflow, data integrity.
• Experience with CPI and Foundation IP preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills for reporting and analytics.
• Familiarity with document management and financial systems (e.g., iManage, NetDocuments, Elite 3E, Aderant).
• Ability to mentor staff and build cross-functional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor IP docketing professionals, incl. training and performance management.
• Coordinate workloads to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Oversee US and foreign patent/trademark docketing with USPTO, PCT, EPO, and WIPO.
• Ensure accurate docketing of filings and deadlines; resolve complex issues.
• Act as subject matter expert for IP management systems and data integrity.
• Lead system upgrades, testing, and workflow improvements.
• Develop and maintain docketing procedures and SOPs.
• Support QA and risk-mitigation audits.
• Prepare metrics and reports to support department goals.
• Communicate procedures and system updates to attorneys and staff.
• Collaborate with attorneys, vendors, IT, and leadership to improve workflows.
• Contribute to special projects requiring docketing expertise.

Skills

Supervisory experience

IP docketing

Team leadership

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CPI

Foundation IP

iManage

NetDocuments

Elite 3E

Aderant

Intapp Open

Job description

Akerman seeks an IP Docketing Supervisor to lead the firm’s docketing function for US and foreign patent and trademark matters. You will mentor staff, manage workloads, and ensure accuracy, deadlines, and quality across a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has extensive docketing experience, strong risk management, and the ability to guide ongoing process improvements. This senior role offers leadership opportunities within a premier national law firm.