Lead Docketing Analyst

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 Lead Docketing Analyst who will be responsible for providing senior level operations and docketing support to the firm’s docketing department. A key component of this position is to accurately and timely process new transferred-in files, assist with database integrity including coordinating the completion of the department’s auditing efforts and daily reconciliation of the firm’s secondary docketing system. The Lead Docketing Analyst will partner with the management team in helping to update and maintain the department’s standard operating procedures and training documentation and provide recurring feedback on trends and issues noted during the course of database analysis and updates. This is a hybrid role that requires some in-office presence.

How will you make an impact?

• Demonstrating strong understanding of patent and trademark rules and procedures as well as knowledge of firm policies and procedures.
• Collaborating with leadership team to identify problems, inconsistencies, needed changes, etc. related to department procedures, systems, training, etc., and identifying appropriate solutions as needed to ensure the overall success of the department.
• Independently researching and analyzing complex U.S. and foreign intellectual property laws; applying complex knowledge analysis to procedures in correlation with internal procedures and firm docketing systems; responding to complex docketing inquiries and providing appropriate solutions.
• Maintaining a high level of proficiency in the use of the docketing and other department/firm-related systems and applications as necessary, including interacting with IT Department personnel and vendors as needed to troubleshoot problems and inquiries.
• Serving as a subject matter expert to docketing team members by troubleshooting questions and concerns related to interacting with the firm’s database and assisting management with maintaining standard docketing procedures.
• Coordinating special projects as needed to support process improvement and rule changes within the docketing department.
  Acquiring and maintaining a high-level understanding of the firm's overall client/matter intake and records management policies and procedures.
• Communicating the status of transfer-in projects and apprising docketing manager, team leads, and assigned attorneys and timekeepers of any issues or concerns with incoming portfolios, including concerns related to any missing documentation or file/docket requirements.
• Auditing new IP files for current status, upcoming due dates, and any outstanding formalities, and leading the docketing effort for creating new files and inputting file data into the database.
• Making recommendations regarding process and procedure improvements as needed to promote database integrity.
• Reviewing and consolidating dual docket systems; researching discrepancies and analyzing the cause of discrepancies and discussing the same with team leaders and docketing manager.
• Providing senior level support to team leaders and manager related to daily activities related to core docketing responsibilities in accordance with department standard procedures and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure overall quality control of the firm’s docketing systems, including the primary and secondary docketing databases.
• Interacting professionally with clients and vendors as a firm resource regarding the docketing department and firm related initiatives, processes and procedures.

What will you bring to the role?

• 5 years of IP docketing experience is required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 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 systems and other law resources and databases used in IP prosecution
• Must be innovative and capable of embracing new concepts and leading others to do the same.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and be a problem solver capable of anticipating and analyzing needs and delivering appropriate solutions.
• Capable of demonstrating high performance and organizational skills to achieve internal/external customer satisfaction and database integrity and be capable of effectively communicating across the firm.
• Highly motivated, responsive, customer-service and detailed oriented, and committed to creating and maintaining a collaborative and positive work environment.

The good faith base salary range for this position is $115,000 to $125,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm. 

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000