What are the responsibilities and job description for the IP Docketing Manager position at Akerman LLP?
Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers across the United States.
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.
Key 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
Qualifications
- 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 strongly preferred
- 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
- Familiarity with document management systems (iManage or NetDocuments), financial systems (Elite 3E or Aderant), and Intapp Open preferred
- 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
We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Please submit your resume and salary requirements. EOE
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