IP Docketing Manager

Akerman LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401k Profit Sharing Plan

Transportation Program

Discretionary holiday bonus

Job summary

Akerman LLP in Chicago is seeking an IP Docketing Manager to lead and oversee its intellectual property docketing function across U.S. and foreign matters. The ideal candidate will possess significant IP knowledge, demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, and manage complex docketing workflows.

Responsibilities include supervising docketing professionals, maintaining data integrity in management systems, and defining productivity standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and substantial experience in IP docketing. A competitive salary package is offered.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of intellectual property docketing experience in a law firm environment.
• 3+ years of leading or supervising an IP docketing team.
• Demonstrated ability to design and enforce docketing policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Firm’s intellectual property docketing function.
• Allocate workloads and ensure quality standards are consistently met.
• Support IPMS conversions, upgrades, and implementations.

Skills

Intellectual property docketing experience

Leading or supervising a team

U.S. patent rules knowledge

Experience with IP management systems

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CPI

PATTSY

Anaqua

Foundation IP

Job description

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 Manager. The IP Docketing Manager will lead and oversee the Firm’s intellectual property docketing function across U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters. This role combines deep technical IP knowledge with people leadership, systems ownership, and process improvement. The IP Docketing Manager serves as a trusted resource to attorneys, paralegals, and firm leadership while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence in a deadline-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and evaluate IP docketing professionals across experience levels; set performance expectations and support ongoing development and cross‑training
• Allocate workloads, manage coverage, and ensure deadlines, service levels, and quality standards are consistently met
• Oversee all U.S. and foreign patent and trademark docketing workflows, including PCT, EPO, and WIPO matters
• Ensure accurate docketing of incoming correspondence, filings, and deadlines, resolving discrepancies and complex rule‑based issues
• Serve as system owner for IP management systems (e.g., CPI, PATTSY, Anaqua, Foundation IP), ensuring data integrity, rules accuracy, and optimal configuration
• Support IPMS conversions, upgrades, and implementations, including data migration, testing, and change management
• Develop, document, and enforce docketing policies, SOPs, and productivity standards
• Establish and manage quality assurance and audit processes to proactively identify and mitigate risk
• Define, track, and report KPIs; prepare standard and ad‑hoc reports and dashboards for attorneys and leadership
• Act as a subject‑matter expert and advisor to attorneys and staff, clearly communicating docketing standards, procedures, and system changes
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, vendors, IT, and practice leadership to improve workflows, training, and service delivery
• Participate in special projects requiring docketing expertise, historical knowledge, and analytical insight

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7+ years of intellectual property docketing experience covering U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters in a law firm environment
• 3+ years of experience leading or supervising an IP docketing team
• Expert knowledge of U.S. patent rules, PCT procedures, EPO guidelines, and major foreign filing requirements
• Hands‑on experience administering IP management systems, including configuration, rulesets, and data integrity
• Strong experience with CPI and FIP required
• Demonstrated ability to design, document, and enforce docketing policies, SOPs, and productivity standards
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to create reports, dashboards, and performance metrics
• Familiarity with document management systems (iManage or NetDocuments), financial systems (Elite 3E or Aderant), and Intapp Open preferred
• Proven ability to lead change, train teams, and communicate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage risk in a deadline‑driven environment

Job Type

Full‑Time; Monday - Friday

Salary Range

The firm’s anticipated hiring range for this position is $140,000 – $165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including position, geographic location, education, training, and experience.

Bonus

Discretionary holiday bonus

Benefits

Paid Time Off, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, 401k Profit Sharing Plan, and Transportation Program

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