IP Technology & Automation Manager

Cooley•Boston, DC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The IP Technology & Automation Manager identifies and manages opportunities to improve IP client services workflows and legal service delivery through automation, AI, systems integration, workflow redesign, and process improvement. Working with IP Services leaders and teams, the Manager evaluates workflows and implements practical solutions that improve efficiency, quality, accuracy, and client service.

Requirements

After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
Ability to travel, as required
5+ years’ experience in an IP-related role
Project management experience
Strong understanding of workflow automation, process improvement, systems integration, and AI concepts and their practical application to IP legal service delivery
Experience reviewing workflows and identifying opportunities to automate, simplify, or improve processes
Ability to translate business and operational needs into clear business and functional requirements for technical teams
Ability to understand how systems, data, integrations, and automated workflows work together and to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams
Working knowledge of user acceptance testing, including developing test scenarios, documenting results, and coordinating issue resolution
Ability to demonstrate having streamlined and automated IP workflows through integration and/or leveraging enabling artificial intelligent tools
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate options, identify risks and dependencies, and recommend practical solutions
Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and automation platforms and an understanding of appropriate use, limitations, data privacy, confidentiality, and information security considerations
Knowledge of intellectual property operations, patent processes, legal service delivery, or legal technology

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree
Supervisory experience in a professional services or law firm environment, with ability to manage, coach, and motivate
Previous law firm experience
Experience researching IP statuses and histories in PTO databases, including USPTO systems (PatentCenter), WIPO Patentscope, navigation and general knowledge of international patent sites (i.e., USPTO Global Dossier, EPO Patent Register, CIPO, etc.)
Possess working knowledge and keep abreast of rules according to USPTO procedures, 37 C.F.R., the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) rules

Responsibilities

Build strong working relationships with IP Client Services leaders and team members to understand operational needs, workflow challenges, team priorities, and opportunities for improvement
Collaborate with IP Operations, Technology, Innovation, practice teams, and other stakeholders to coordinate efforts and support IP Client Services needs and initiatives
Coordinate cross-functional projects and initiatives, working with the appropriate teams to move projects forward, address issues, and support timely completion
Work with the Director of IP Client Services to review and prioritize initiatives, identify opportunities to expand successful automation and AI solutions, and provide regular updates on recommendations, project status, risks, dependencies, and results
Review workflows to identify opportunities for automation and process improvement, including ways to simplify processes, reduce manual work and unnecessary steps, and make better use of existing Firm and IP tools and systems
Gather and document business and workflow requirements and work with IP Operations, Technology, Innovation, and other teams, where applicable, to evaluate solutions and determine how existing or new technology can support those needs across IP Client Service
Work with the appropriate teams to evaluate automation, AI, workflow, and integration capabilities that may improve IP Client Services processes and legal service delivery
Manage and prioritize assigned automation, AI, integration, and workflow improvement projects, including requirements gathering, process documentation, user acceptance testing, implementation, and follow-up
Coordinate cross-functional working groups and project teams to assess automation and AI opportunities and support the development and testing of solutions
Identify and communicate project risks, dependencies, and requirements and work with the appropriate teams to ensure solutions meet applicable USPTO and international requirements, Firm policies, information security and confidentiality requirements, client requirements, and quality standards
Coordinate the implementation of new and updated workflows, automation, AI tools, and other technology improvements within IP Client Services
Work with IP Client Services teams, IP Operations, Technology, Innovation, Best Practices Committees, and other stakeholders to support implementation, communications, change management, training, and adoption of new tools and processes
Develop and maintain training materials, process documentation, standard operating procedures, user guides, and other resources to support new and updated workflows
Gather feedback from users and monitor how new tools and processes are working, including their impact on quality, efficiency, and service delivery, and recommend improvements as needed and report to the IP Client Services Director
Serve as local office IP Services manager resource overseeing daily operations to ensure group-wide services are effective
Encourage business professional and timekeeper engagement in local office events and culture
Foster collaborative relationships with practitioners and business professionals, serving as a key point of contact for IP Services support and solutions
Communicate local issues to the appropriate member(s) of the IP leadership to ensure consistent and effective team management
Troubleshoot issues impacting IP team members in the same office to effectively support practitioner and client needs