IP Docket Specialist; Offices

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 100 firm, is seeking an IP Docketing Specialist that is experienced in U.S. and/or Foreign patent prosecution docketing.

We prefer candidates who can work from our Downtown Los Angeles, Century City, Orange County, Del Mar, San Diego, San Francisco, or Silicon Valley office, but we will consider other candidates who can work from one of our other U.S. offices (Dallas, Houston, and Chicago). This position has a remote/hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation to be in the office on an as‑needed basis.

There is only one opening.

• Review all incoming client mail (including U.S. Mail, e‑mail, courier packages, faxes) for the IP group that relates to patent matters to determine due dates or reminder dates that need to be entered into the Firm's computerized docket databases.
• Process and forward information regarding each date entered into docket databases to the appropriate individuals.
• Enter all due dates and reminder dates as appropriate into docket databases, annotating all entries as required.
• Review PTO EFS filing receipts and outgoing correspondence and update the docketing database accordingly by closing or adding appropriate docket dates.
• Prepare reports for attorneys and staff.
• Follow up on daily dockets to ensure that all due dates have been satisfied by close of business each day; inform the Director of IP Administration and the Responsible/Billing attorney if any have not yet been satisfied.
• Update all information in docket databases on a daily basis as indicated by attorneys or client correspondence.
• Assist other docket specialists in double‑checking to ensure all dates docketed by that specialist are accurate.

• Minimum of 3 years of comprehensive U.S. and/or Foreign patent prosecution docketing experience.
• Thorough knowledge of procedures and practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Regular, predictable, and timely attendance.
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to troubleshoot.
• Clear and concise communication skills.
• High School Diploma.

• Additional experience with U.S. patent prosecution docketing is a plus.

• Knowledge of and experience with docketing software such as CPI, Inprotech, Foundation IP.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of and experience with resources such as PAIR and other international IP law databases.

• Indoors with limited exposure to hazards (those customarily present in high‑rise office buildings).
• Indoor office work environment in a cubical or similar workstation.
• Overtime may be required on occasion as the workload demands.
• Based in one of our local Sheppard Mullin offices but allowed to work from home; required to come into the office on an as‑needed basis.

California:
The pay range for this position is $27 to $55 per hour.

Illinois:
The wage range for this position is $29 to $59 per hour. This position is eligible for medical, vision, and dental insurance. Please note that the foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good‑faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to the Illinois Equal Pay Act.

Seniority level:
Associate

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Legal

Industry: Law Practice