The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking an Intellectual Property (IP) Administrator Supervisor to join any of our Chicago, Waukesha, Denver, Madison or Milwaukee offices. The IP Administrator Supervisor will oversee the day-to-day operations of the IP Administrator support functions while maintaining a partial billable workload. Under the direction and leadership of the Practice Group Manager (PGM), the role will include effective coordination of workflow to the IP Administrator group.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide Trademark (TM) IP Administrators periodic feedback on their performance, including suggestions for professional development or performance improvement.
• Coordinate workflow, manage distribution of work, establish priorities and assign projects as needed for IP Administrators.
• Establish and implement standard operating procedures for TM IP Administrators by developing manuals, guidelines, training programs, and best practices.
• Coordinate performance and evaluation processes for TM IP Administrators with HR and PGM.
• Consult with attorneys to ensure the effective use of TM IP Administrators.
• Conduct regular meetings with IP Administrators to address issues, concerns, and needs.
• Monitor attendance, overtime, daily schedules, work-from-home days, and paid time off to ensure staffing needs are being met.
• Participate in the recruiting process for IP Administrators and coordinate orientation and training of new employees.
• Meet with new IP timekeepers to provide an overview of the IP Administrator support functions.
• Ensure firm policies are practiced and followed and encourage open dialog, maintaining an "open door" policy.
• Stay aware of updates to laws, regulations, and fees related to IP prosecution in the U.S. and globally.
• Be present in all offices on a regular basis.
• Maintain billable workload, filings, and docket responsibilities to the extent clients are maintained.
• Coordinate with Docketing Manager on client intake and transfers out.
• Knowledge of domestic and international trademark laws

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• Bachelor's degree (strongly preferred) or Paralegal Certificate
• Minimum of 8+ years' experience as a trademark paralegal in a law firm or corporate law department
• Able to directly manage the day to day prosecution of domestic and foreign trademark and copyright applications
• Experience with domain name and copyright law
• Applied international trademark experience/knowledge
• Conduct, review and analyze trademark searches
• Experience with IP portfolio management databases
• Understanding of the TMEP
• Highly proficient in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel
• Preferred Knowledge of Anaqua, Elite and/or iManage (or similar document management system) a plus.
• Preferred 3 or more years of supervising and leading both local and virtual teams.

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

Other:

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm's founding in 1848, we've continuously evolved to meet our clients' changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc and Waukesha, WI; Chicago, IL; Raleigh, NC; Washington, D.C.; Broomfield and Denver, CO; Salt Lake City and Cottonwood Heights, UT; and Austin, TX. Our contemporary office designs are ideal for concentration and collaboration and supports a culture where we work together to make good things happen for our Clients. This position can be located in our Chicago, Waukesha, Denver, Madison or Milwaukee offices.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees' overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal. We are not accepting search firm submissions at this time.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.