Senior Practice Manager - Patents and Innovations

Senior Practice Manager - Patents and Innovations

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 1,200 attorneys in 19 offices: 14 in the U.S., three in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

Wilson Sonsini is seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Practice Manager to support the Chief Practice Officer and Practice Group Leader in overseeing the daily operations of the firm’s patent legal support staff. In this key role, you will directly manage US patent paralegals and departmental managers and supervisors responsible for foreign filings, patent prosecution support, and other specialized teams.

Reporting directly to the Chief Practice Officer, this high-visibility position is crucial for ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the patent department. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Chief Practice Officer to drive excellence in staff performance, enhance process efficiency, and ensure the department meets evolving client and business needs. This role requires a strategic mindset and a focus on delivering superior client service while fostering staff development and satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

• Support to the Chief Practice Officer: Act as a key partner to the Chief Practice Officer, assisting with the execution of strategic initiatives, department management, and ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals.
• Standardization of Patent Prosecution Processes: Identify areas for improvement, streamline workflows, and implement best practices to ensure consistency and compliance across the firm.
• Leadership and Advocacy: Serve as a thought leader, promoting the firm’s patent prosecution practice and elevating its internal and external profile.
• Meeting Facilitation: Lead various team and committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda setting, facilitating discussions, and tracking action items, supporting the Chief Practice Officer in ensuring effective communication across the department.
• Staff Supervision: Provide leadership and guidance to departmental managers and supervisors and US patent paralegals, ensuring effective workflow management, staff optimization, and issue resolution. Collaborate with the Chief Practice Officer on staffing strategies to optimize resource utilization.
• Performance Management: Oversee hiring, performance evaluations, compensation reviews, and onboarding processes in collaboration with the Human Resources department. Partner with the Chief Practice Officer on staff development and retention strategies.
• Financial Analysis and Performance Metrics: Work with the Chief Practice Officer and Finance team to track staff performance metrics, assess utilization and productivity, and recommend strategies for financial improvement.
• Staff Training and Development: Develop and manage training programs tailored to the needs of paralegals, patent support staff, and other non-attorney professionals. Focus on enhancing staff skills in patent prosecution, foreign filings, and client service, ensuring continuous professional development and job satisfaction. Collaborate with departmental managers and the Chief Practice Officer to identify training needs and opportunities for upskilling.
• Training Program Management: Assist with the design, implementation, and continuous oversight of departmental training initiatives to foster professional growth and excellence among attorneys, patent agents, and staff.
• Technology and Tools: Collaborate with IT to evaluate and implement technology solutions that streamline patent prosecution processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Client Service: Ensure exceptional client service by proactively managing client needs and expectations, aligning efforts with the Chief Practice Officer’s vision for client service excellence.
• Communication and Collaboration: Promote effective communication between support staff and attorneys, ensuring smooth operational processes and collaboration within the firm. Support the Chief Practice Officer in maintaining open lines of communication across the patent department.
• Project Management: Lead and manage key projects and departmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic objectives and the Chief Practice Officer’s priorities.
• Backup Support: Provide leadership support to managers and supervisors as needed, ensuring continued excellence in team performance. Step in to support the Chief Practice Officer during high-priority or time-sensitive projects.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of senior leadership experience within patent prosecution, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment, with a proven track record of success. Minimum 15 years’ experience in patent prosecution.
• Bachelor’s degree required; a JD is a plus.
• Experience in managing remote teams is preferred.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, support executive leadership, and drive operational results.