IP Practice Manager

The Oneil Search Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal firm in Boston is seeking a professional to oversee the Intellectual Property Department's daily management and operations. This role focuses on work allocation, professional development, and liaising with other groups. Responsibilities include managing staffing, coordinating training, assisting in strategic planning, and supporting business development efforts. The ideal candidate will possess a J.D. and have strong management and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Strong management skills to oversee work allocation in a legal environment.
• Ability to support and develop junior attorneys and paralegals.
• Familiarity with business development strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage staffing for the Intellectual Property Department.
• Support onboarding and training of new attorneys.
• Assist with strategic planning and reporting.

Skills

Management of work assignments

Professional development coordination

Relationship building

Business development support

Education

J.D. or equivalent law degree

Job description

About the Role

Responsible for the daily management and business operations of the Intellectual Property Department and Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group in assigned office(s), with a strong emphasis on work allocation, professional development, and relationship building. Act as a liaison with other Firm legal and administrative groups as needed.

What You Will Be Doing

Attorney Professional Development and Work Assignment Staffing

• Manage billable and pro bono work assignment and staffing for the Intellectual Property Department and Intellectual Property Litigation practice group across assigned offices, coordinating with Practice Management to address cross office needs.
• Align work assignments with attorney experience and professional development goals for counsel, senior associates, and associates.
• Coordinate reassignment of matters during attorney absences and assist with administration of extended leave policies.
• Coordinate the bi‑annual evaluation process in partnership with Legal Personnel, practice leadership, partner mentors, and the Practice Management team.
• Support onboarding and orientation for junior associates and lateral hires and collaborate on formal training programs with practice and professional development leaders.
• Coordinate with Development and Training team to plan and conduct formal training programs for counsel, senior associates, and associates.
• Assist department and practice leadership in addressing attorney personnel matters as needed.

Department Management and Reporting

• Assist in the implementation of Department and/or Practice Group strategic plans.
• Assist in the preparation of Department and Practice Group reporting, including the preparation of monthly productivity reports for Department Leaders, Practice Group Leaders, the Management Committee, and the Chief Practice Management Officer.
• Coordinate Department and Practice Group level projects as assigned by the Intellectual Property Department Director.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Intellectual Property Department and Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group leaders in assigned office(s).
• Provide administrative and operational support to department leadership, including planning and follow up for meetings, retreats, and firmwide initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Business Development and Marketing

• Support marketing and business development efforts, including pitches, RFPs, CLEs, lateral partner integration, and department events.
• Assist in the coordination of events involving members of the Departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Technology Specialist Management

• Provides general management of Technology Specialist Program.
• Provide Technology Specialists with assignments that provide appropriate professional development opportunities commensurate with experience.
• Coordinate reassignment of projects and assist in the administration of extended leaves.
• Conducts regular check‑ins with Technology Specialist to review productivity and administrative issues.

Paralegal Management

• Provides general management of assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s).
• In conjunction with the Intellectual Property Department Director and working closely with Human Resources responsible for the performance management of the assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s), including but not limited to: ensuring the timely completion of Performance Reviews; responding to performance concerns and policy violations including violations to the time entry and in‑office work policies.
• Conducts regular check‑ins with Paralegals to review productivity and administrative issues; provide ongoing support and coaching, including regular status meetings; and addressing team resource needs and related process improvements to ensure efficiency in the delivery of paralegal services.
• Promotes effective collaboration between the Paralegals to support appropriate resource allocation including cross office staffing.
• Ensures goals set for the assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s) are effectively and efficiently met.