IP Practice Group Director & Operations Lead

Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Job summary

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is seeking a Practice Group Director to drive the success of our patent, trademark, regulatory affairs, labor & employment, and construction litigation groups. This hybrid role collaborates with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Knowledge Management to align priorities and optimize operations.

Ideal candidates have 10–15 years of supervisory experience and 7+ years in patent/trademark operations, with deep knowledge of U.S./foreign filing, docketing, and workflows.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of supervisory/management experience.
• 7+ years in patent/trademark operations or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of U.S./foreign patent and trademark rules.
• Leadership and project management skills under pressure.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Act as strategic advisor to firm and Practice Group leadership on operational and administrative matters.
• Lead operational and systems initiatives within Patent and Trademark practices; oversee workflow design and staffing models.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Information Services, Knowledge Management, Marketing to implement firm initiatives.
• Lead people-focused initiatives including onboarding, succession planning, training, and career development.
• Coordinate with Finance on budgets, profitability, and matter management; monitor trends for enhancements.
• Facilitate client reporting and budget tracking; support cross-practice initiatives and intranet content.
• Drive strategic business plans for Practice Groups and remove roadblocks; promote clear communication.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budgeting

Process improvement

Talent management

Education

Advanced degree

Tools

Docketing systems

Job description

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is seeking a Practice Group Director to drive the success of our patent, trademark, regulatory affairs, labor & employment, and construction litigation groups. This hybrid role collaborates with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Knowledge Management to align priorities and optimize operations.

Ideal candidates have 10–15 years of supervisory experience and 7+ years in patent/trademark operations, with deep knowledge of U.S./foreign filing, docketing, and workflows.