Lead IP Paralegal

Overview

The Lead Intellectual Property Paralegal leads a team of IP Paralegals and Docketing Specialists all of whom work collaboratively with IP attorneys, patent agents, and patent technology specialists to develop and maintain an online database of patent, trademark, and copyright filings; docket and monitor related activities and due dates; coordinate execution of instructions and documents; and help supervise work by outside counsel. Serves as a content expert on numerous IP-related projects and directs the training and workload of the docketing specialists and IP Paralegals through regular meetings and goal setting. Interacts with faculty and staff members across the Institute as well as licensing entities, collaborating institutions, law firms, and IP-related vendors.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Provides intellectual property counseling, strategic analysis, and portfolio management services to the Institute
• Manages a team of Intellectual Property Paralegals and Docketing Specialists
• Collaborates with the Director of Legal Operations on IP-related projects
• Maintains the Institute’s intellectual property assets and related correspondence within the electronic database as well as hard copies of original executed documents and trademark specimens
• Oversees the search and implementation of specific IP-related vendors
• Directs and monitors the IP assets management in Minuet InteumTM, invoicing, and patent maintenance fee payments
• Monitors docketing of deadlines and due dates in the IP database
• Oversees the sending of prosecution instructions and assists the IP attorneys with supervising outside companies, institutions, and law firms in the acquisition and maintenance of IP assets by reviewing and commenting on invoices, identifying issues, and recommending solutions
• Monitors the preparation and execution of formal documents, such as Powers of Attorney, IP assignments, and declarations with direct engagement with investigators
• Manages team meetings via maintaining the agenda, keeping minutes, and communicating meeting decisions
• Works closely with technology transfer professionals in the Belfer Office for Dana-Farber Innovations to support marketing, sponsorship, licensing, and compliance efforts
• Recruits, trains, and supervises new IP support staff members and interns
• Responsible for updating and developing training and instructional documentation and materials for the IP team
• Assist IP team with intellectual property protection filings by monitoring conflict checks from law firms for new intellectual property matters, coordinating requests from outside counsel for additional documents and/or data to support protection filings, proofreading drafts, providing templates, and drafting transfer letters
• Coordinates IP Paralegals and Docketing Specialists coverage, including the review and approval of weekly time sheets
• Works with IP leadership to identify and accomplish the team’s fiscal year goal(s)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Critical thinking skills, along with the ability to identify Institute resources and take a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Exceptional organizational skills and adeptness at prioritizing tasks
• Strong customer service skills and professionalism
• Ability to manage and protect highly confidential and sensitive information
• Excellent attention to detail and research abilities
• Ability to work effectively in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex projects and other assignments
• Ability to manage relationships and motivate groups of people
• Good conflict resolution and organizational skills

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in intellectual property, preferably in a law firm, in-house department, or technology-focused business environment. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of U.S. and international patent/trademark prosecution procedures and related policies. Expertise in computer applications is required, including experience with USPTO portal filings, intellectual property database software, and tools like Inteum Minuet™, CPI, and LEDES™. Prior supervisory experience is preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages team of Intellectual Property Paralegals and Docketing Specialists.

PATIENT CONTACT: None

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).