Patent Agent And Engineer Program Manager

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Patent Agent and Engineer Program Manager position. This position may be filled in our Chicago, Milwaukee or Kansas City office. 

The Patent Agent and Engineer Program Manageris responsible for administering the Patent Agent and Engineer Program Firmwide, to include recruiting, on-boarding, training & professional development, and salary administration of all Patent Agents and Patent Engineers. Additional responsibilities of the Program Manager will include monitoring schedules and billable hours, coordinating annual evaluations, maintaining position appropriate job descriptions and assisting TMT SBU Leader with various administrative activities. Essential job functions include:

• Works with the Intellectual Property Practice Specialty Center (“IP PSC”) Leaders to develop and implement substantive Patent Agent and Engineer training programs.
• Works with SBU Leaders to develop appropriate industry related training.
• Recruits, interviews, and makes hiring recommendations to fill vacant Patent Agent or Engineer positions. This will include working with University Career Placement Departments or equivalent to organize on-campus interviews when appropriate and coordinating such visits with the IP PSC Leaders and other members to participate in the interview process.
• Works with SBU and IP PSC Leaders to coach, counsel and provide feedback to Patent Agentsand Engineers as appropriate.
• Coordinates annual performance evaluations and provides other feedback to Patent Agentsand Engineers regarding performance throughout the year.
• Administers annual merit salary adjustments and year end productivity and discretionary bonus process along with SBU and IP PSC Leaders.
• Assists SBU and IP PSC Leaders and other attorneys with departures.
• Coordinates regularly scheduled Firmwide and local (as appropriate) Patent Agent and Engineer meetings.
• On-boards all new Patent Agentsand Engineers.
• Ensures Firm policies and procedures are followed by Patent Agentsand Engineers while promoting consistency and fairness.
• Maintains and updates Patent Agent and Engineer job descriptions.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must satisfy all requirements for representing applicants before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), including passing the USPTO Registration Exam, and have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or other physical science.
• At least 10 years of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution experience.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train others in patent prosecution, writing patent applications, responses to US and foreign patent office actions, and analyzing patentability search results to prepare patentability opinions.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with the SBU Leaders, Managing Directors, IP PSC Leaders, Chief Growth Officer, IP PSC Partners and other members of the Legal Recruiting team, and all other administrative and lawyer leadership of the Firm.
• Ability to always exercise good judgment by making sound and practical decisions; ability to assume responsibility for decisions and act decisively under deadlines.
• High level of professional integrity required; ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust.
• Ability to successfully perform position requirements with excellent organizational, time- management and prioritization skills required.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  Please reach out to our HR team to request an accommodation.

We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, and much more. 

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet.  Principal Applicants Only.