Docketing Coordinator

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

6d•$70,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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. We're seeking professionals with IP docketing experience to join our firm and become an integral part of our Docketing department. We are looking for a Docketing Coordinator that is a subject matter expert in one or more areas of IP docketing rules and procedures, including U.S. and foreign patent, trademark and litigation docketing, new business intake, docket reconciliation and file/document management. Coordinators are team leads responsible for workload distribution and the review of records maintained in the firm's docketing systems as needed to help prevent and minimize docketing errors. This position is hybrid from the D.C. area with some in-office presence as needed.

Requirements

7 years of docketing experience and strong patent docketing skills.
At least 5 years of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark docketing experience required.
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Highly motivated, pleasant and professional individual.
Performs well under pressure, working efficiently and productively during peak and non-peak periods.
Must be a team player capable of working effectively with all levels of staff.
Strong analytical, attention to details, problem solving, time management and communication skills needed.
Should possess strong computer, administrative, organizational, customer service and research skills and be capable of working at a fast pace.
Must be able to exercise initiative and sound, independent judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of Windows-based software applications and document management systems.
Capable of working independently with minimum supervision.

Responsibilities

Be the initial contact for assigned team for general inquiries and requests received from department and other firm members.
Reviewing and monitoring case history in the firm's docketing and document management systems on a daily basis, as needed to process incoming mail, filings and requests.
Researching discrepancies, analyzing the cause of discrepancies, and discussing the same with team members and docketing managers.
Troubleshooting solutions and corrections as needed, which may include file review, mail review, and/or communication with department staff including management, legal professionals, third party vendors and IT department personnel, as necessary in accordance with department service level agreements.
Generating and proofing for quality routine and special docket reports as necessary, including general docket reports, daily audit reports, case status reports, discrepancy reports, annuity reports, daily team status reports, etc.
Dedocketing/Redocketing dates in compliance with established firm docket clearing procedures and the firm's Last Day List prevention initiative.
Maintaining advance knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution laws, rules and regulations.
Mentoring new team members and helping to promote a high level of accuracy, efficiency and integrity of the firm's docket systems.
Providing training and orientation to new and existing employees regarding departmental/firm procedures and the use of department systems on an ongoing basis.
Assisting with the preparation and updating training materials for the department.
Making recommendations regarding process and procedure improvements as needed.
And more.