IP & Trademark Practice Director — Strategy & Operations

Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 184,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Paid time off

Bonuses (if eligible)

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is seeking a Practice Group Director to drive the success of Patent, Trademark, Regulatory Affairs, Labor & Employment, and Construction Litigation groups. Hybrid role; based in any U.S. office.

You will partner with Practice Group leadership and admin functions to align priorities, optimize operations, and advance people-centered processes across groups. Lead initiatives in staffing, workflow design, budgeting, performance management, and cross-department collaboration,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 10–15 years of supervisory/management experience.
• 7+ years of patent/trademark experience (US/foreign).
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark rules, plus docketing.
• Strong leadership and project management abilities; manage multiple initiatives under pressure.
• Excellent collaboration and communication; budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Familiarity with AI tools and a willingness to evaluate emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to firm and Practice Group leadership on operational and administrative matters.
• Lead operational and systems initiatives within Patent and Trademark practices, including workflow design and staffing models.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Information Services, Marketing, and Knowledge Management to advance priorities.
• Lead people-focused initiatives at the Practice Group level, including onboarding, training, and career development.
• Coordinate with Finance on budgets, reporting, profitability, and matter management.
• Support client reporting and budget tracking; collaborate on cross-practice initiatives and intranet content.
• Promote communication across Practice Groups and administrative teams; address morale and retention.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

AI tools knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

Docketing systems

Job description

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is seeking a Practice Group Director to drive the success of Patent, Trademark, Regulatory Affairs, Labor & Employment, and Construction Litigation groups. Hybrid role; based in any U.S. office.

You will partner with Practice Group leadership and admin functions to align priorities, optimize operations, and advance people-centered processes across groups. Lead initiatives in staffing, workflow design, budgeting, performance management, and cross-department collaboration,