IP Docketing Supervisor — Lead, Quality & Systems

Akerman LLP; West Palm Beach (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Akerman LLP in West Palm Beach seeks an IP Docketing Supervisor to lead the IP docketing team across U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters.

The role combines strong docketing expertise with people leadership to ensure accuracy, deadlines, and high service levels. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of IP docketing experience, supervisory skills, and proficiency with IP management systems, Excel, and related tools.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

IP docketing expertise

Leadership/mentoring

Detail-oriented

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

CPI

Foundation IP

Excel

iManage

NetDocuments

Elite 3E

Aderant

Intapp Open

Job description

Akerman LLP in West Palm Beach seeks an IP Docketing Supervisor to lead the IP docketing team across U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters.

The role combines strong docketing expertise with people leadership to ensure accuracy, deadlines, and high service levels. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of IP docketing experience, supervisory skills, and proficiency with IP management systems, Excel, and related tools.