Associate Director, Patent Operations

Associate Director, Patent Operations

The Associate Director, Patent Operations serves as a strategic and operational leader within the Patent Practice Area, responsible for driving excellence, innovation, and efficiency across all facets of patent operations. This role partners closely with practice leadership and attorneys / agents to ensure the patent operational infrastructure, resources, and processes are aligned with the firm's strategic objectives. The Associate Director will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-office / cross-practice initiatives, and advance long-term plans that enhance quality, consistency, profitability, and client service delivery. This position can be based in any of our U.S. office locations and offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing you to work both from home and at your designated Fenwick office. The frequency of in-office work will be determined by business needs and guided by your department's directives.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Partner with the IP Director and firm leadership to define and execute the operational strategy for the Patent Practice Group.
• Develop and implement multi-year operational roadmaps, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with firm priorities.
• Evaluate and optimize resource allocation, staffing models, and process workflows to drive sustainable performance.

Operational Excellence

Leadership & Team Development

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Technology & Vendor Management

Performance & Reporting

Thought Leadership

Travel Requirement

Desired Skills & Qualifications

Reporting to the IP and Regulatory Practice Group Director, the ideal candidate will have a minimum of (10) years of experience in patent operations and at least (5) years in a leadership / management capacity. Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or project management certification (e.g., MBA, PMP, Lean Six Sigma) preferred.

Benefits and Compensation Details :

At Fenwick, we believe that our partners and employees are our most important asset. Helping you and your families achieve and maintain good health - physical, emotional, and financial - is the reason we offer a comprehensive benefit program. We provide benefits to eligible employees under plans such as Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Wellbeing.

The anticipated range for this position is :

$168,000 - $251,250

Depending on the role, the actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and / or from which they will be performing the job.

A discretionary bonus for eligible employees may also be available based on performance. Additional information about employee eligibility for benefits and discretionary bonus will be made available upon request.