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Principle Director of Patent Operations at Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. No longer available

Job Description

A nationally recognized AM Law 200 firm with 500+ attorneys providing comprehensive legal services to innovative companies from startups to global enterprises.

Role

This individual will partner closely with the firm's patent attorneys, practice group leaders, and C-suite to design, implement, and continuously improve high-volume, high-quality patent prosecution and portfolio management operations. The role combines strategic oversight, process optimization, technology leadership, and people management in a fast-paced, client-service-oriented environment.

Responsibilities
  • Oversee end-to-end patent prosecution support for U.S. and foreign filings (docketing, formalities, IDS management, annuity payments, assignment recordation, portfolio reporting).
  • Lead a team of paralegals, docketing specialists, formalities clerks, and annuity coordinators across multiple offices/time zones.
  • Drive adoption and maximization of IP management systems (Anaqua, IPfolio, Lecorpio, FoundationIP, Pattsy Wave, etc.) and related tools (e.g., AppColl, ClaimMaster, USPTO Patent Center integrations).
  • Partner with billing and finance teams on patent-related cost recovery, client-specific outside counsel guidelines, and e billing compliance.
  • Design and deliver training programs for new attorneys, lateral hires, and staff on patent rules, best practices, and firm systems.
Qualifications
  • Paralegal certificate, Registered Patent Agent, or JD strongly preferred.
  • 8+ years of progressive patent prosecution and operations experience in a large law firm or sophisticated in house patent department.
  • At least 4 years in a people management or team lead role overseeing docketing, formalities, and/or annuity functions.
  • Proven track record of implementing or migrating major IP management systems.
  • Base Salary: $175-250k+, commensurate with experience.
  • Additional Compensation: Annual performance based bonus.
  • Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match program, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and professional development/career growth programs.
How to Apply

Please send me your resume to
Please add me on LinkedIn!
I look forward to working with you!
Chris McFarland
Liberty Personnel Services

Typical senior pay: $103k for General and Operations Managers nationally

National salary averages
Expected senior-level
$103k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected

Senior roles pay 144% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Strong candidate leverage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
High mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+4%
10yr growth
A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
308,700 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: Bachelor's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024