IP Paralegal Manager (Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT) (#5050)

Are you an experienced IP paralegal leader who is passionate about developing talent, building strong teams, and driving operational excellence? We are seeking an IP Paralegal Manager to lead our Intellectual Property paralegal function, overseeing recruiting, onboarding, performance management, workflow coordination, and professional development while partnering closely with attorneys, practice leadership, and Human Resources. If you're a skilled people leader with deep IP paralegal experience, strong business acumen, and a passion for developing high-performing teams, we'd appreciate hearing from you.

In This Role, You Will

• Lead and manage the paralegal support function, including recruiting, hiring, utilization and training, and professional development.
• Coordinate and participate in orientation and onboarding for all new paralegals, ensuring appropriate training and access to resources.
• Manage employee performance, employee relation issues and counseling for paralegals in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Lead and manage the performance evaluation process including contacting lawyers to participate in the evaluation process; review completed evaluations and conduct annual performance reviews with supervisees.
• Actively engage with practice groups and individual lawyers in order to better understand their needs and the expertise and strengths of the paralegals to ensure high quality legal work.
• Manage paralegal workflow, capacity, assignments, and utilization. Ensure timely and efficient support to lawyers and clients.
• Approve employee PTO requests and timecards in Time and Attendance System.
• May perform other duties as assigned, including providing additional support to Practice Group Director and IP Practice Manager.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or relevant work experience.
• At least 6 years of experience as an IP paralegal.
• At least 3 years of experience managing a large team of paralegals or other timekeeping professionals, preferably across offices and multiple departments.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, particularly productivity metrics in billable / professional services context.
• Strong, well-developed employee relations skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated analytical ability; ability to set priorities; knows ethical boundaries of position and when to consult with management; responsible; resourceful.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to use good judgement in solving problems and resolving conflict.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Ability to communicate and work with all levels of personnel; strong conflict management and coaching skills.
• Member of a professional paralegal association is desired.
  
  

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 $109,990 to $142,340.

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 November 13, 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