Foreign Filing Supervisor

Who are we?

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

What do we need?

We are looking for a Foreign Filing Supervisor who is responsible for the management of a team of Foreign Filing staff, workload distribution and quality control of the foreign filing work product through second-level review. The Supervisor is expected to assist the Department Manager in setting standards and procedures for the Department and is responsible for exercising independent judgment as needed to manage the day-to-day operations of assigned work group. This position is directly responsible for the hiring and retention of legal assistants in the Department. This is a hybrid role that requires regular in-office presence.

How will you make an impact?

• Serving as the main management point of contact for all assigned direct reports with respect to foreign filing. Evaluating work performance including reviewing daily work and conducting annual performance reviews. Assisting with the hiring, development, and counseling of Department staff. Providing suggestions and recommendations for the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, or any other change of status for employees, with particular weight given to these suggestions.
• Managing workload distribution among Department staff and vendors, including annuity personnel, legal assistants, and annuity and outsourcing vendors.
• Working with Firm members to assist in auditing transfer-in matters and completing transfer-out projects, including file and docket review. Assisting in reviewing case prosecution history and calculating due dates for matters transferring into or out of the Firm by collaborating with the Firm's docketing team and IP docketing service vendors.
• Leading the development and implementation of new foreign filing procedures as directed by the Department Manager. Promoting quality achievement and performance improvement throughout the Department by helping to set standards and maintaining awareness of policy, procedures, values, and goals.
• Assisting the Manager with maintaining the Standard Operating Procedure and training manuals.
• Managing complex projects and/or tasks efficiently, including troubleshooting and identifying effective resolutions to ensure successful project completion; organizing and maintaining projects; reporting weekly status information regarding progress of each project to the Foreign Filing Manager and Director of Prosecution Support Services, in accordance with departmental service level agreements.
• Conducting research on rule and policy changes, which may include researching websites and communicating with various foreign associates, patent offices, and vendors.
• Interacting with legal personnel and staff daily in regard to client and firm matters.
• Managing special projects as requested by directors and other timekeepers.
• Managing a case load for specific clients; reviewing and revising all outgoing correspondence, verifying that the docket has been properly cleared, and reviewing all incoming mail, facsimiles, and courier packages.
• Ensuring a high-quality work product for assigned clients. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of client officers, addresses, and specific needs and requirements. Becoming familiar with Cheat Sheets for assigned clients.
• Prioritizing work to meet Department and client deadlines.
• Preparing and filing new foreign applications and/or instructions for new foreign applications as needed.

What will you bring to the role?

• 3+ years of progressive people management and 5+ years of Foreign Filing experience required.
• Bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certification preferred.
• Performs well under pressure, working efficiently and productively during peak and non-peak periods.
• Must be a team player capable of working effectively with all levels of staff.
• Should possess strong computer, administrative, customer service and research skills and be capable of working at a fast pace.
• Strong analytical, attention to details, problem solving, time management and communication skills needed.
• Exercise initiative and sound, independent judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of working independently with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of Windows-based software applications, document management systems and IP estimate tools.

The good faith base salary range for this position is $105,000 to $140,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate's overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter in your application materials.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.