Director of IP Patent Clinic - UIC Law

Position Summary
The Director will lead and manage the UIC Law Intellectual Property Patent Clinic. This role involves directly supervising and mentoring law students as they provide pro bono patent legal services, including patentability searches, application drafting, and office action responses, to underserved inventors. The Director will foster a strong learning environment while ensuring high-quality client representation.

Duties & Responsibilities

Student Supervision and Mentorship (70%): Directly supervise and mentor law students enrolled in the IP Patent Clinic, providing guidance on all aspects of patent prosecution and client representation. Review and provide constructive feedback on student work product, including patentability search reports, patent application drafts (provisional and non-provisional), office action responses, and client communications. Conduct regular one-on-one and group supervision meetings with students to discuss case strategy, ethical considerations, professional development, and practical skills. Assess student performance and provide evaluations.

Client Representation and Case Management (20%): Oversee and manage the Patent Clinic's caseload, ensuring timely and effective representation for all pro bono clients. Conduct client intake interviews and assess the patentability and strategic value of inventions. Provide direct legal representation to clients in complex or sensitive matters, or as needed to support student learning and ensure client needs are met. Ensure compliance with USPTO rules and regulations, as well as state bar ethical guidelines. Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files and case management records.

Clinic Administration and Development (10%): Collaborate with Community Legal Clinics (CLC) faculty and administration to develop and refine clinic policies, procedures, and curriculum. Identify and cultivate relationships with community partners, technology transfer offices, and other organizations to generate appropriate client matters. Stay abreast of developments in patent law, intellectual property, and legal education, integrating new knowledge into clinic operations and student training. Assist with reporting requirements for the USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program. Contribute to the broader intellectual property law program within the law school/university. Participate in relevant professional organizations and conferences.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.