Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Director, IP Operations is responsible for all aspects of the IP Patent and Trademark professional operational staff operating effectively, efficiently and at a best-in-class level of service for our internal and external clients. Working closely with the Chief Practice Officer – Business Law Department (CPO), the IPTS patent and trademark partners, and other firm leaders, oversees the Sr. Managers and Managers, , the IP Administrators, the IP Patent Paralegals, and the IP Docketing team. This newly created and transformative role is designed to align with IP practitioners on growth, efficiency, and scalability while optimizing technology. The successful candidate will be highly experienced, capable of managing a large team across functions, and adept at garnering support from key senior stakeholders to execute on initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive significant impact and innovation within the IP practice.

What You Will Do:
• Strategic Leadership: Provide innovative leadership and strategic direction to the IP Operations team, ensuring alignment with the firm's and the IP practices’ overall goals and objectives. Drive the development and execution of long-term strategies to enhance client service, support IP practitioners, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Client Service Excellence: Ensure that the IP Operations team delivers exceptional client service to attorneys, leaders, and clients. Develop and implement best practices to enhance client interactions and satisfaction and proactively address client needs and concerns.
• Operational Efficiency: Oversee the continuous improvement of operational workflows, identifying and implementing strategies to streamline processes, mitigate risk, reduce friction, and enhance efficiency. Leverage technology and data analytics to drive operational excellence and ensure the team remains agile and adaptable to emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Technology and Innovation: Stay at the forefront of technology and industry trends. Lead the adoption of new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance the team's capabilities and improve service delivery. Partner with the firm’s IT team to implement new technologies and improve efficiencies where possible on existing technologies that impact the IP team.
• Team Development: Partner with HR, the CPO, and appropriate leaders on recruitment, orientation, onboarding, performance management, and professional development, training, retention strategies, mentoring, and coaching for team members. Foster a positive team atmosphere and ensure that the team is high-functioning and motivated.
• Collaboration and Communication: Establish and communicate goals and objectives for the IP Operations team, ensuring alignment with key initiatives and business needs. Serve as a
resource to IPTS attorneys and and IP Administrators for IP-related questions regarding operational support, including docketing, procedural, transfers, and administrative matters. • Project Management: Identify, plan, and execute special projects that align with the firm's strategic goals, working across departments to drive initiatives from conception to completion. Define objectives, success metrics, and timelines, ensuring projects deliver significant and measurable impact.
• Change Management: Develop and implement change management plans that foster acceptance and adoption of new initiatives across the firm. Draft compelling, clear communications on project progress, results, and impact for a variety of audiences, from senior leaders to front-line staff.
• Performance Monitoring: Leverage data to measure project success, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and refine strategies as needed. Organize presentations, status reports, and executive briefings that summarize complex projects into easily digestible insights and action items.

Who You Are:
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience managing teams in an IP environment, preferably in a large law firm.

• Professional and Collegial Manner: Ability to work in a professional and collegial manner with attorneys, paralegals, and professional and administrative staff.
• IP Knowledge: Strong knowledge of U.S. and foreign IP patent and trademark rules, requirements, processes, and electronic filing systems.
• Management Skills: Strong management skills, including the ability to direct team and maintain a positive team atmosphere.
• Interpersonal and Organizational Skills: Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Judgment and Confidentiality: Sound judgment and the ability to respect, protect, and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Occasional travel.

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Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement & Savings Plan

• Emergency back-up child and adult care

• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Employee recognition and reward programs

• Employee wellness and assistance programs

• Employee discounts and perks

​Consistent with the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Goodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Goodwin Procter LLP considers applicants for employment, and makes employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Please note: Various agencies of the United States government require employers to collect information on applicants and employees. The National Association of Law Placement (NALP) and certain clients request us to keep track of certain aggregate information regarding lawyers. EEO information requested on this application is for purposes of compliance with these recordkeeping and reporting requirements and to determine recruiting and employment patterns. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment.