Trademark Docket Manager

Department: Practice Administration About Us: Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth. Incumbents in this position manage the firm’s trademark docket and support its trademark attorneys and trademark paralegals, both individually and as part of a team. They shall possess a mastery of technical and administrative skills, assume responsibility with minimal supervision, exercise initiative and judgment to make decisions within the scope of their assigned authority, and both champion and practice collaboration with all employees. T his position is remote if located in a state with a Ballard presence. Why Join Us? Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership. Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth. Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds. Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service. Your Role: As a Trademark Docket Manager within the intellectual property department, you will: Manage the firm’s trademark and copyright docket to ensure prompt and correct docketing of deadlines for domestic and international trademark and copyright matters; supervise docketing team in their work to achieve that goal Update and maintain an operating and user manual and guides for the firm’s trademark and copyright docketing activities Interface with Department Chair, Practice Group Leader, paralegals, and attorneys in the group to respond to requests for information and to deliver top-notch client service Coordinate with Director of Practice Management to ensure that Firm’s trademark and copyright docketing database is maintained, checked for data quality, and upgraded as necessary Create docket reports upon request by attorneys and other firm personnel Ensure that all docketing guidelines and requirements are following Firm’s standards and best practices Monitor and maintain reports for statistical analysis Manage intake of transferred files and entry into docket Establish standards for processing and forwarding of docketed items to ensure docketing policies and procedures are implemented by department personnel Train, mentor, develop and evaluate trademark and copyright docketing staff Conduct annual performance evaluations; provide performance management counseling for IP Docket Staff What We’re Looking For: Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently. Growt h Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving. Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities. Required Education, Experience, and Skills: Comprehensive U.S. and international trademark and copyright docketing experience, including knowledge of and experience with resources such as ANAQUA, TESS, and other International IP law databases; experience in docketing conversion is strongly preferred Previous experience working in a law firm or legal environment; supervisory experience required Experience with strategic planning, project implementation and training development Stellar quality control skills Ability to work beyond the standard scheduled hours, as needed Able to multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy Demonstrated technology skills including software applications Ability to exercise independent judgement, reason logically and make sound decisions Regular and predicable attendance is a core requirement of this position and the ability to work beyond the standard scheduled hours, as needed The targeted salary range for this position is from $120,000 – $130,000, which reflects the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location. Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website. Ready to Grow with Us? If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm’s success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence. At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law. The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.