IP/Patent Administrator- San Francisco or Santa Monica office

Goodwin Procter Boston; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement & Savings Plan

Paid vacation and sick time

Employee wellness and assistance programs

Job summary

Goodwin Procter Boston is seeking an IP Administrator to support their Patent practice in San Francisco. The ideal candidate will manage patent prosecution, prepare legal documents, and ensure compliance with procedures. Strong communication skills and experience in a law firm setting are preferred.

This role offers competitive benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, and a target salary range of $86,000 - $107,000 based on experience, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of domestic patent prosecution experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong computer and database management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file legal documents with the USPTO.
• Manage administrative aspects of patent prosecution.
• Organize and maintain electronic files and data.

Skills

Domestic patent prosecution experience

Proficiency in MS Outlook

Verbal and written communication skills

Organizational and time management abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Overview

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.

IP Administrator (IPA)

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.
• 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

• 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 - $107,000.00. Professional career paths at Goodwin offer you more – and less – than you might expect. You’ll find fewer 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.