IP/Patent Administrator

Goodwin Procter LLP; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Goodwin Procter LLP is seeking a legal professional to join its Global Operations Team to support domestic patent prosecution. The role emphasizes accuracy in filings, docket management, and confidential handling of firm and client information.

The candidate should have 3–6 years of patent prosecution experience, a preferred Bachelor's degree, and strong MS Office skills. Collaboration, time management, and the ability to work under pressure are essential in this fast-paced, global environment.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of domestic patent prosecution experience, law firm or professional services preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word and Excel; strong computer and database skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Effective time management and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents, reports and correspondence related to domestic patent prosecution for attorneys and clients.
• Prepare and file required documents with the USPTO in a timely and accurate manner.
• Manage the administrative aspects of U.S. patent prosecution and ensure compliance with rules and procedures.
• Support attorneys in managing their dockets in line with firm policies.
• Organize, update and maintain electronic files and intellectual property data with accuracy.
• Review and process official communications from patent offices, including the USPTO.
• Open new matters, update existing matters, and process conflict checks per firm requirements.
• Perform general administrative tasks and provide support as requested.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS Excel

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.

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.

Perform 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.

Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement & Savings Plan
• Emergency back-up child and adult care
• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition and reward programs
• Employee wellness and assistance programs
• Employee discounts and perks

This position is eligible for overtime: Yes

The Target Salary Range For This Position Varies By Location And Is Commensurate With Relevant Experience: $86,000.00 - $110,000.00

Professional career paths at Goodwin offer you more - and less - than you might expect. You'll find less hierarchy and more meritocracy. You'll have more chances to work across departments and offices, and fewer roadblocks to getting the job done. We believe people are happiest when they're not limited by a 'that's how we've always done it' approach, so we encourage a more imaginative and collaborative working environment. Our Global Operations Team - what we call our GO Team - brings a level of professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment to work each and every day. Goodwin embraces responsible and ethical use of AI in the Hiring Process.