IP Docketing Specialist (Multiple Offices)

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 firm, is seeking an IP Docketing Specialist that is experienced in U.S. and/or Foreign patent prosecution docketing.

We prefer candidates who can work from our Downtown Los Angeles, Century City, Orange County, Del Mar, San Diego, San Francisco, or Silicon Valley office, but will consider other candidates who can work from one of our other U.S. offices. The other offices we are considering are: Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. There is only one opening.

• This position has a remote/hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation to be in the office on an as needed basis.
  
  

The ideal candidate will have 3 years' in U.S. and/or Foreign patent prosecution docketing experience. The IP Docket Specialist will be maintaining accurate and up-to-date databases of due dates and information on all client matters which pertain to patent matters. This position will report directly to the Director of IP Administration and will work closely with the IP attorneys and business services professionals.

Essential Functions Of Job

• Review all incoming client mail (including U.S. Mail, e-mail, courier packages, faxes) for the IP group that relates to patent matters to determine due dates or reminder dates that need to be entered into Firm's computerized docket databases.
• Process and forward information regarding each date entered into docket databases to the appropriate individuals.
• Enter all due dates and reminder dates as appropriate into docket databases. Annotate all entries as appropriate.
• Review PTO EFS filing receipts and outgoing correspondence and update docketing database accordingly by closing/adding appropriate docket dates.
• Prepare reports for attorneys and staff.
• Follow up on daily dockets to ensure that they have satisfied all the day's due dates; inform Director of IP Administration and Responsible/Billing attorney if any have not yet been satisfied by close of business each day.
• Update all information in docket databases on a daily basis as indicated by attorney or as indicated from client correspondence.
• Assist other docket specialists in double-checking to ensure all dates docketed by that specialist are accurate.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of comprehensive U.S. and/or Foreign patent prosecution docketing experience
• Thorough knowledge of procedures and practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Regular, predictable, and timely attendance
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot
• Clear and concise communication skills
• High School Diploma
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience with U.S. patent prosecution docketing is a plus
  
  

Computer/Software Knowledge

Required:

• Knowledge of and experience with docketing software such as CPI, Inprotech, Foundation IP
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• Knowledge of and experience with resources such as PAIR and other International IP law databases
  
  

Work Environment

• Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up in working in a high-rise/office building).
• Indoor office work environment in a cubical or like workstation.
• Overtime will be required on occasion as the workload requires.
• You will be based in one of our local Sheppard Mullin offices but will be allowed to work from home. You are required to come into the office on an as-needed basis.
  
  

California: The pay range for this position is $27 to $55 per hour.

Illinois: The wage range for this position is: $29 - $59 per hour. This position is eligible for medical, vision, and dental insurance. Please note that the foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to Illinois Equal Pay Act.

Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.