IP Practice Group Director — Strategy & Operations

Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 195,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bonuses

Adoption assistance

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Dorsey & Whitney LLP seeks a Practice Group Director to drive the success of its patent, trademark, regulatory, labor & employment, and construction litigation practice groups. This hybrid role collaborates with HR, Finance, Marketing, Knowledge Management and other teams to align priorities and improve operations.

The role requires extensive supervisory experience, deep IP workflow knowledge, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven supervisory/management experience (10–15+ years).
• Extensive patent and trademark knowledge including U.S./foreign filing, prosecution, maintenance, and docketing.

Responsibilities

• Act as strategic advisor to firm and Practice Group leadership on operations and administrative matters.
• Lead operational initiatives within Patent and Trademark practices, including workflow design, staffing models, and resource allocation.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Information Services, Knowledge Management, Marketing to implement firm initiatives within Practice Groups.
• Lead people-focused initiatives: onboarding, succession planning, training, workload management, performance management, compensation, advancement to partnership.
• Coordinate with Finance on budgets, reporting, and profitability; monitor trends for operational improvements.
• Facilitate client reporting, budget tracking, and cross-practice marketing initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Collaboration

Analytical ability

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Tools

IP docketing software

Job description

Dorsey & Whitney LLP seeks a Practice Group Director to drive the success of its patent, trademark, regulatory, labor & employment, and construction litigation practice groups. This hybrid role collaborates with HR, Finance, Marketing, Knowledge Management and other teams to align priorities and improve operations.

The role requires extensive supervisory experience, deep IP workflow knowledge, and strong leadership.