IP Practice Director & Strategic Operations Leader

Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorsey & Whitney LLP seeks a Practice Group Director to drive success across Patent, Trademark, Regulatory Affairs, Labor & Employment, and Construction Litigation Practice Groups. In this highly visible role, you’ll partner with Practice Group leadership and key administrative functions to align priorities with firmwide initiatives, champion people‑centered processes, and drive operational excellence.

This hybrid role can be based in any U.S. office.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in supervisory/management roles in law firm operations.
• Experience in patent/trademark operations or similar professional services.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Advise firm and Practice Group leadership on operational matters and initiatives.
• Lead workflow design, staffing models, and cross-department coordination for IP groups.
• Partner with HR, Finance, IS, Marketing to implement firm initiatives.
• Drive onboarding, career development, workload management, and associate progression.
• Coordinate budgeting, profitability analysis, and matter management with Finance.
• Support strategic business plans and ensure clear communication across teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Collaboration and communication

Process improvement

Education

Advanced degree in a related field

Tools

HRIS

Budgeting software

Knowledge Management systems

Job description

Dorsey & Whitney LLP seeks a Practice Group Director to drive success across Patent, Trademark, Regulatory Affairs, Labor & Employment, and Construction Litigation Practice Groups. In this highly visible role, you’ll partner with Practice Group leadership and key administrative functions to align priorities with firmwide initiatives, champion people‑centered processes, and drive operational excellence.

This hybrid role can be based in any U.S. office.