Intellectual Property Docketing Operations Lead (Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT) (#4067)

We are seeking an Intellectual Property Docketing Operations Lead in our Minneapolis, Denver, or Salt Lake City office, where you’ll guide a high-performing team and keep our patent, trademark, copyright, and domain name docketing engine running smoothly. You’ll set the pace for daily operations, train docket professionals, and serve as the go-to resource for docketing inquiries—all while safeguarding data integrity, ensuring deadlines are met, and strengthening firmwide compliance and risk management. You’ll partner closely with managers to refine processes and elevate our docketing platform. If you’re a proactive, solutions-driven leader who thrives on accuracy, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, we want to meet you.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the IP docket work and serve as first-level response to docket questions and inquiries from IP docket personnel and other firm personnel.
• Ensure that all deadlines relating to the IP docket database have been satisfied by the end of each business day by communicating directly with client teams as needed.
• Oversee the daily workflow of IP docket personnel, including training and providing feedback to the IP Docketing Manager for performance evaluations.
• Work with the IP Docketing Manager regarding staffing needs, including ensuring that work balance is distributed appropriately among IP docket personnel to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
• Train IP docket personnel on docket team policies and procedures and coordinate regularly occurring training sessions.
• Train IP docket personnel and other firm personnel as needed on use of IP docket database.
• Maintain and execute systems for checking, verifying, and ensuring data integrity of the IP docket database.
• Work with IP Docketing Manager to troubleshoot docket management problems and implement solutions, including database audit, file review, mail review, and/or communication with IP docket personnel.
• Assist the IP Docketing Manager with maintaining and enhancing functionality of the IP docket database, including coordinating with the IP docket database vendor and Information Services personnel to ensure that the IP docket database is sustained and upgraded as necessary.
• Work with IP Docketing Manager to enforce best practices, established performance requirements, and process improvements to ensure high-level service is consistently provided and risk management is achieved.
• Stay current with changes to Intellectual Property rules and regulations, and work with IP Docketing Manager to review impact and implement country law updates to docketing procedures and IP docket database to ensure continued compliance with local requirements.
• Assist with coordinating resources on client intake and transfer out processes.
• Assist with providing docket-based reports upon request by attorneys and other firm personnel.
• Respond timely to requests from the IP Docketing Manager and other IP stakeholders such as the IP Practice Manager, Practice Group Director, attorneys, clients, and business development professionals.
• Perform the duties of the IP Docketing personnel as required.
• May be requested to perform other duties not mentioned above as needed.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of comprehensive docketing experience.
• Experience with IP docket database software; advanced understanding of FoundationIP is strongly preferred.
• Advanced understanding and knowledge of domestic and international intellectual property and maintenance, including docketing systems and/or other automated databases.
• Knowledge of and experience with USPTO systems and resources such as PAIR, Patent Center, TSDR, TESS, and Saegis and international IP law databases.
• Ability to train and coach others, including designing and presenting materials for effective training.
• Ability to set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and take decisive action in complex situations.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to exude professionalism at all times.
• Perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands.
• Ability to evaluate and apply technology-based solutions to processes.
• Proficiency in MS Office Software products: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and communication skills; ability to work well under pressure and deadlines; critical thinking and analytical skill.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with strategic planning, project implementation and training development.
  
  

About Dorsey

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across a diverse range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.

Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17 hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender. Dorsey’s benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution; basic and optional life insurance; short and long-term disability; paid time off; up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth; paid holidays; paid volunteer day; discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible); adoption assistance; healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts; back-up child and elder care program; education and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

One Of Our Greatest Strengths Is a Friendly, Cooperative Culture That Values And Appreciates Each Individual. Dorsey Has Received External Recognition For Our Welcoming Workplace, Including

• Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
• Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
• 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
• Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
• Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)
  
  

Reasonable Accommodations

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.

How To Apply

Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the “Careers” section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs and complete Dorsey’s online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.

The pay range for this position in Minnesota and Colorado only is an annual salary of $77,435 to $110,880.

This range represents Dorsey’s good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through October 2, 2026.

Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Office Location:

Minneapolis, MN

Salt Lake City, UT

Denver, CO