Team Lead - U.S. Patent Prosecution

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox•Washington, DC

28d•$105,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is seeking a Team Lead - U.S. Patent Prosecution to 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.

Requirements

7+ years of patent prosecution experience required
Ability to perform the duties and responsibilities listed above
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
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
3+ years of supervisory or team lead experience preferred.

Responsibilities

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.