Foreign Filing Manager

Who are we?

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 that possible. With that in mind, 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 Foreign Filing Manager who will be primarily responsible for ensuring that all department employees comply with established firm and client procedures and policies to achieve client satisfaction and quality work. The Foreign Filing Manager also has direct responsibility for the firm’s annuity process and portfolio transfers. The Foreign Filing Manager is expected to make recommendations for improvements to the overall workings of the Foreign Filing department and implement best practices, new technologies, and changes to policies and procedures in conjunction with the Foreign Filing Committee and Director of Prosecution Support Services. This position is responsible for hiring, training, promoting, and retaining department employees. This is a hybrid role that requires regular in-office presence. 

How will you make an impact?

• Maintaining strong leadership skills in understanding PCT and foreign PTO procedures, firm and client policies, and ensuring department compliance.
• Being responsible for the department's overall management, including implementing standard procedures, providing routine coaching, delivering timely feedback, and conducting performance assessments for direct reports.
• Providing oversight for Supervisors who give feedback and conduct performance assessments for their assigned team members.
• Collaborating with timekeepers, administrative departments (including the US Patent Prosecution and Docketing Operations departments), and other firm members to understand and support the needs of our prosecution groups and clients.
• Directing Supervisors (Foreign Filing Supervisors) in leading team members in delivering timely, efficient, and cost-effective client service. Holding Supervisors accountable for managing performance on their teams.
• Collaborating with the prosecution management and talent management teams to develop and deliver training programs related to prosecution support.
• Developing best practices and training for team members to support compliance with standard firm procedures.
• Assessing and managing staffing needs, optimizing staffing levels and utilization. Being responsible for hiring, training, promotion, and retention process for department staff.
• Preparing department budget forecasting and resource allocation.

What will you bring to the role?

• 5 years of progressive people management and 7 years of patent prosecution experience required
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Be able 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.
• Drive high performance, implement structured changes, and effectively communicate across the firm.
• Possess strong people management 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 software systems), the USPTO’s software, and other law resources and databases used in IP prosecution.

Salary : $120,000 - $160,000