Docketing Director

Docketing Director

Perkins Coie is searching for a Docketing Director who oversees the firm's docketing professionals, docketing systems, and related projects, ensuring that adequate staff, processes and procedures are in place so that deadlines tracked for the firm and its clients are met. Working closely with firm administrative and practice group leadership, this individual will assist in the development of docketing policies and procedures that meet applicable professional responsibility, statute and rule requirements, as well as business needs. This position also provides strategic leadership and direction in the implementation and development of systems, processes and procedures that optimize efficiency and accuracy in the provision of docketing services.

Essential Functions

• Oversee and develop a cohesive and skilled team of 25+ docketing professionals who provide all business, litigation and intellectual property docket-related services for the firm. Strategically direct and oversee workforce planning, staffing decisions, team compensation and promotions.
• Monitor and assess all firm docketing systems, processes and procedures with the goal of maximizing efficiency, accuracy and cost-savings and minimizing errors that could negatively impact clients and the firm. Propose strategies and implementation methods to enhance or refine firm docketing systems, processes and procedures, including identifying and analyzing technologies, trends, and best practices across the profession that will help meet such goals. Work closely with the firm's technology and project management teams to oversee the implementation of any docketing-related projects and initiatives.
• Serve as subject matter expert and collaborator to firm administrative and practice group leadership in the development and regular review of firm service standards, policies and procedures with respect to docketing. Oversee updates to the firm's docketing policy.
• Serve as the main point of contact and subject matter expert for lawyers and other firm business professionals on issue resolution and queries relating to policy, procedure, best practices and use of the docketing systems, escalating unusual or sensitive issues as appropriate based on established protocols and mandatory reporting policies. Liaise regularly with the practice group and administrative management to ensure docketing needs are serviced effectively.
• Assist with the development of departmental budgets, with a focus on identifying priorities, controlling costs and using resources efficiently. Oversee all docketing-related expenses.
• Oversee the development and implementation of regular, ongoing training protocol for all docketing professionals. Oversee creation and maintenance of all docketing-related training resources. Implement and monitor quality control procedures to ensure accuracy in docketing entries and compliance with legal and ethical requirements and firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain in-depth working knowledge of the entire docketing team's processes, procedures, and technical environments in order to provide the expected level of support and troubleshoot emergent issues.
• Oversee relationships with third party providers. Work with firm's technology team to ensure docketing systems are functioning properly and implement technical efficiencies.
• Provide specialized firmwide docket reporting support to firm and practice group management as requested.
• Maintain membership and relationships within industry professional groups and associations that promote ongoing education regarding docketing deadlines, practices and procedures, and docketing systems.

Specific Skills Required

Specific Skills Preferred

Education And Experience