Operations Manager – Intellectual Property Practice Group

Washington, D.C./Hybrid

$90,000 – $130,000

Behind every exceptional intellectual property practice is an operations leader who knows how to bring people, processes, and technology together. This law firm in DC is seeking an experienced IP Operations Manager to guide the day-to-day operations of its intellectual property support teams while driving process improvements across a busy, multi-office practice. If you thrive on creating efficiencies, mentoring talented professionals, and developing systems that keep complex patent and trademark work running seamlessly, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the daily operations of the intellectual property support team, providing guidance, oversight, and direction to docketing professionals, paralegals, legal assistants, and other practice support staff.
Evaluate existing workflows and implement improvements that enhance consistency, productivity, and service across the IP practice.
Build strong partnerships across the firm to streamline operations, solve day-to-day challenges, and improve how work gets done.
Develop, maintain, and update resources, guides, filing checklists, and training materials that support efficient patent and trademark prosecution.
Monitor docketing accuracy, collaborate with internal teams on quality control initiatives, and assist with ongoing audits of files, deadlines, and databases.
Monitor team capacity and adjust assignments as priorities evolve, helping the practice maintain consistent, high-quality support.
Coach, mentor, and support IP professionals through onboarding, training initiatives, and ongoing professional development while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Serve as a primary resource for prosecution procedures, filing requirements, vendor relationships, and evolving USPTO and international patent process updates.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

A growing national firm committed to delivery strong service to clients and staff.
Competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and more.
Following completion of training, this role is eligible for a hybrid work model.

What We’re Looking For:

Experienced in IP. You have a bachelor’s degree in hand and bring at least five years of experience supporting patent and/or intellectual property prosecution, with a strong understanding of filing procedures, docketing, and practice operations.
A natural leader. You enjoy mentoring teams, balancing workloads, and creating an environment where people can perform at their best.
Process driven. You recognize opportunities to improve efficiency, standardize procedures, and implement solutions that benefit both clients and internal teams.
Technically fluent. You are comfortable navigating Microsoft Office and specialized intellectual property software, including docketing systems, document assembly tools, and USPTO platforms.
Exceptionally organized. You excel at managing competing priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and maintaining accuracy in a fast-moving environment.
A collaborative communicator. You build trusted relationships across all levels of an organization and communicate clearly with attorneys, staff, vendors, and leadership.

The salary listed reflects the anticipated compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, location, business considerations, and internal equity. Final offer amounts are determined at the employer’s discretion.

To apply, please send a resume to legal@hawthornelane.com.

Essential to Hawthorne Lane’s success is our ability to attract talent from a range of backgrounds. Our network reflects the diverse community around us, and we believe in a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.