IP Docketing Manager

Akerman LLP•Chicago, IL

9h•$140,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

Akerman is seeking an IP Docketing Manager. The IP Docketing Manager will lead and oversee the Firm’s intellectual property docketing function across U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters. This role combines deep technical IP knowledge with people leadership, systems ownership, and process improvement. The IP Docketing Manager serves as a trusted resource to attorneys, paralegals, and firm leadership while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence in a deadline‑driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
7+ years of intellectual property docketing experience covering U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters in a law firm environment
3+ years of experience leading or supervising an IP docketing team
Expert knowledge of U.S. patent rules, PCT procedures, EPO guidelines, and major foreign filing requirements
Hands‑on experience administering IP management systems, including configuration, rulesets, and data integrity
Strong experience with CPI and FIP required
Demonstrated ability to design, document, and enforce docketing policies, SOPs, and productivity standards
Advanced Excel skills with the ability to create reports, dashboards, and performance metrics
Proven ability to lead change, train teams, and communicate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff
High attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage risk in a deadline‑driven environment

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with document management systems (iManage or NetDocuments), financial systems (Elite 3E or Aderant), and Intapp Open preferred

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and evaluate IP docketing professionals across experience levels; set performance expectations and support ongoing development and cross‑training
Allocate workloads, manage coverage, and ensure deadlines, service levels, and quality standards are consistently met
Oversee all U.S. and foreign patent and trademark docketing workflows, including PCT, EPO, and WIPO matters
Ensure accurate docketing of incoming correspondence, filings, and deadlines, resolving discrepancies and complex rule‑based issues
Serve as system owner for IP management systems (e.g., CPI, PATTSY, Anaqua, Foundation IP), ensuring data integrity, rules accuracy, and optimal configuration
Support IPMS conversions, upgrades, and implementations, including data migration, testing, and change management
Develop, document, and enforce docketing policies, SOPs, and productivity standards
Establish and manage quality assurance and audit processes to proactively identify and mitigate risk
Define, track, and report KPIs; prepare standard and ad‑hoc reports and dashboards for attorneys and leadership
Act as a subject‑matter expert and advisor to attorneys and staff, clearly communicating docketing standards, procedures, and system changes
Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, vendors, IT, and practice leadership to improve workflows, training, and service delivery
Participate in special projects requiring docketing expertise, historical knowledge, and analytical insight