Senior Patent Quality Review Specialist

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

Wilson Sonsini is currently seeking a Senior Patent Quality Review Specialist to join the firm’s patent group. This position will be responsible for assigned tasks and works under the direction and guidance of attorneys, patent agents, IP specialists, and the department administrative leadership team.

The Senior Patent Quality Review Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of quality control and procedural adherence for patent prosecution. This position involves detailed reviews of filings, coordination with various departments, and the formulation of best practices to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the IP group’s operations.

This position is available as a fully virtual role.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth reviews of U.S. patent filings before submission to ensure compliance with USPTO guidelines.
• Evaluate electronic filings for formatting errors and metadata issues.
• Validate that e-filings and submissions are correctly logged and stored in DMS; ensure centralized email saving and naming conventions.
• Review vendor drawings and work products for accuracy.
• Support intake, conduct matter reviews, and manage patent office filings.
• Verify accuracy and consistency of matter entries in IP docketing systems (e.g., CPI).
• Review and validate chain-of-title and bibliographic data for new and existing matters.
• Audit family relationships and ensure consistency across applications, divisions, continuations, and foreign counterparts; identify process inconsistencies in prosecution practices across client portfolios.
• Review errors based on incoming USPTO communications and recommend corrections.
• Liaise with the Docketing department to ensure daily docket clearance of all deadlines.
• Review and double-check work product from the Docketing and Transfer teams as requested.
• Create and maintain internal checklists and quality control protocols for common patent prosecution events; formulate best practices as member of a Best Practices Sub-Committee.
• Administer the DocGen database and serve as a resource for procedural questions.
• Collaborate with attorneys and client leads to implement custom quality assurance workflows; maintain client-specific prosecution guidelines and alert team members of updates.
• Serve as a point of contact for quality review escalation issues.
• Track and complete large or long-term projects as requested by attorneys or clients.
• Participate in IP onboarding and exit processes, including training new and existing staff and legal teams on quality-related tasks, review procedures, and rules and updates regarding IP law, as requested.
• Provide feedback and support to PPS staff on best practices, procedural errors, and back up support during high volume or absences.
• Conduct mini-audits, track and report findings/errors, identify training needs, and recommend process improvements to management as part of quality improvement plans.
• Participate in client audits by preparing data and confirming compliance with SOWs and engagement protocols.
• Leverage software tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI dashboards) to track quality metrics and reporting.
• Prepare periodic quality control reports for IP leadership and Practice Group Leaders.
• Perform related duties as assigned or directed by supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all firm policies and procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 8 years of patent experience, preferably in a high-volume law firm environment.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Experience researching patent law rules and procedures.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate complex information effectively.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external clients.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Experience with CPI and document automation systems.
• Experience in quality control functions.

The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:

Palo Alto, New York, San Francisco: $49.04 – $66.35 per hour.
Austin, Boston, Boulder, Century City, Delaware, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, Washington, D.C.: $44.13 – $59.71 per hour.

The compensation for this position may include overtime and a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).