Team Lead - U.S. Patent Prosecution

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterne Kessler, a premier intellectual property law firm, seeks a Team Lead - U.S. Patent Prosecution to manage a team of Legal Assistants and oversee US patent prosecution matters. The role requires balancing hands-on docketing tasks with strategic leadership for client service and quality control.

The position is hybrid from the DC area, with some in-office presence as needed. Candidates should bring 7+ years of patent prosecution experience and 3+ years of supervisory or team-leading

Qualifications

• 7+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• 3+ years in supervisory or team lead roles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Legal Assistants supporting US patent prosecution.
• Ensure workflow compliance with client and firm requirements and quality standards.
• Coach, mentor, and evaluate team members to support professional growth and performance.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Supervisory experience

Job description

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes this possible. Accordingly, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

What do we need?

We are looking for a Team Lead - U.S. Patent Prosecution who will manage a team of Legal Assistants supporting the firm's U.S. patent prosecution department. This exempt position is responsible for managing workflow, ensuring compliance with client and firm requirements, supporting attorney and client needs, and contributing to the training, development, and performance of team members. The role serves as a key liaison among attorneys, staff, and clients to ensure the delivery of high-quality prosecution support services. This position is hybrid from the D.C. area with some in-office presence as needed.

How will you make an impact?

• Functioning as a working supervisor who, in addition to leading and managing an assigned team of Legal Assistants, is expected to perform substantive Legal Assistant responsibilities for assigned clients and matters, including but not limited to docket clearing, reporting correspondence, preparing and filing USPTO documents, and carrying a caseload as needed.
• Providing direct supervision to assigned Legal Assistants, ensuring responsibilities are performed accurately, timely, and in accordance with firm and client requirements.
• Serving as the primary management point of contact for assigned team members and providing ongoing coaching, mentoring, counseling, and performance feedback to support professional growth and accountability.
• Evaluating employee performance through regular review of work product, productivity, quality metrics, and annual performance evaluations, and providing recommendations regarding promotion, development, retention, and other employment actions.
• Leading team members in delivering timely, efficient, and cost-effective client service while maintaining high standards of quality, attention to detail, professional judgment, and compliance with firm procedures.
• Monitoring and managing workload distribution across assigned staff to ensure appropriate resource allocation, balanced workloads, timely completion of assignments, and effective coverage of client needs.
• Conducting quality control reviews and monitoring the accuracy and consistency of work performed by team members, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions and training as needed.
• Designating peer reviewers and specialty roles as needed to support client requirements, ensure compliance with firm procedures, and promote departmental quality objectives.
• Collaborating with the Senior IP Manager, timekeepers, administrative departments, and other firm members to address operational issues, resolve escalated concerns, and support the strategic objectives of the department and assigned clients.
• Assessing staffing needs and actively participating in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, promotion, and retention efforts for department personnel, with recommendations regarding employment decisions receiving consideration.
• Developing, delivering, and coordinating training programs for Legal Assistants, timekeepers, and other firm personnel regarding U.S. patent prosecution procedures, client requirements, firm policies, and best practices.
• Assisting management in developing, implementing, and maintaining departmental policies, procedures, standard operating procedures, training materials, and workflow standards.
• Recommending process improvements and procedural changes that enhance service quality, operational efficiency, compliance, and employee effectiveness.
• Managing departmental initiatives, client-specific projects, and other special assignments; monitoring progress, resolving issues, communicating status updates, and ensuring successful completion within established service expectations.
• Identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex workflow, staffing, client service, and prosecution support issues, exercising sound independent judgment and escalating matters when appropriate.
• Assisting the Senior IP Manager with day-to-day department operations and serving as a management resource and escalation point for team members.
• Serving as the designated backup for the Senior IP Manager during periods of absence and assisting in maintaining continuity of departmental operations, as needed.

What will you bring to the role?

• 7+ years of patent prosecution experience required and 3+ years of supervisory or team lead experience preferred.
• Ability to perform the duties and responsibilities listed above and will be highly motivated, responsive, customer-service oriented, and committed to creating and maintaining a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Capable of driving high performance, implementing structured changes and effectively communicating across the firm.
• Strong patent prosecution support and team lead skills and be a problem solver capable of anticipating needs and delivering appropriate solutions.
• Proficient in the use of computer equipment including the firm’s software and database systems (e.g., Microsoft Office and the firm’s document management, docketing, and workflow management software systems), the USPTO’s software and other law resources and databases used in IP prosecution.

The good faith base salary range for this position is $105,000 to $135,000 per year.

The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.