The Director of Human Resources is responsible for implementing and managing firm-wide HR initiatives for all offices. The Director of Human Resources manages full cycle HR in the areas of benefits administration, 401(k), employee relations, HR compliance, staff recruiting, onboarding, HRIS, training & organizational development, employee engagement, and other HR related projects as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing, planning and leading firm-wide human resources initiatives.
• Provides functional guidance for administrative support needs.
• Partners with Management Committee in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.
• Manages Performance Review Program; rewrites job descriptions as necessary; analyzes compensation; monitors and implements performance management program.
• Develops, recommends, and implements personnel policies and procedures; prepares and maintains employee handbook, HR policies and procedures;
• Oversees benefits administration to include approving invoices for payment, annual re-evaluation of benefits plans, and budget.
• Manages and monitors HRIS, payroll and other HR systems.
• Develops and maintains HR compliance programs.
• Conducts recruitment effort for all non-attorney exempt and non-exempt personnel; writes and places job advertisements.
• Manages new staff onboarding, career development program, employee relations counseling, outplacement counseling, and exit interviewing.
• Leads and manages internal investigations and employee relations issues.
• Develops and manages staff training programs firm wide, including new hire orientation.
• Establishes and maintains department records and reports.
• Participates in and co-leads administrative staff meetings and attends other meetings, as needed.
• Evaluates reports, decisions, and results of department in relation to established goals. Recommends new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
• Manages HR team.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Education/Experience/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in HR or related field and 5-7 years' Human Resources experience in a law firm environment, OR
• A Master's degree in Human Resources Management or related field and 4-5 years’ HR experience in a law firm environment,
• Experience in a management or supervisory role in a law firm HR environment.
• PHR or SPHR certification highly desired.
• Requires intermediate to advanced knowledge of principles and practices of Human Resources Management.

Patterson + Sheridan, LLP is an intellectual property law firm with more than 70 attorneys in eight offices throughout the United States. Our goal is to provide high quality service and work product to our clients. We value individuals who are motivated and appreciate working in a collaborative, team focused environment. If you believe you possess these attributes and work ethic to help our firm succeed, we encourage you to apply. Please send your resume and cover letter to Julie White, Firm Administrator ([email protected]).

Patterson + Sheridan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our recruiting program is based on hiring practices without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or veteran status.

Entry Level Patent Coordinator

Houston, Texas

The Patent Coordinator (PC) is responsible for preparing all documents in support of U.S. patent preparation and prosecution activities under the review and advisement of an attorney or partner. The PC will be training on the firm’s systems software and IP-procedures and practices in order to have a thorough understanding of the interrelationship. The PC is responsible for supporting legal staff dockets and can interface with attorneys and partners on all administrative matters.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares and files U.S. patent applications and related prosecution documents with attorney review and guidance.
• Prepares and proofs formal documents (Assignment, Declaration) for attorney review, including obtaining inventor information and details as needed.
• Drafts Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) for attorney review.  Uses references from attorneys, foreign associates and consults with partners, associates, patent agents and technical advisors who are stakeholders in a matter.
• Supports docket for assigned legal staff to ensure that every docket action is addressed within the specified timeframe.
• Dockets completed actions after responding or filing.
• Completes New Business Intake (NBI) for new matters for existing clients.
• Assists Associates, Patent Agents and Technical Advisors in the efficient use of administrative processes and systems.
• Performs patent, bibliography and family searches.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Certification in Paralegal Studies preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of increasing administrative responsibilities, preferably in Intellectual Property law and practice.
• Ability to use a desktop/laptop computer, phone, copier and other general office equipment as needed.
• Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and high level of attention to detail required.
• Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the firm’s office. Subject to management’s discretion, remote work may be available pursuant to the firm’s Remote Work Policy.

Patterson + Sheridan, LLP is an intellectual property law firm with more than 70 attorneys in eight offices throughout the United States. Our goal is to provide high quality service and work product to our clients. We value individuals who are motivated and appreciate working in a collaborative, team focused environment. If you believe you possess these attributes and work ethic to help our firm succeed, we encourage you to apply. Please send your resume and cover letter to Director of Human Resources Kim Bernal ([email protected]).

Patterson + Sheridan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our recruiting program is based on hiring practices without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or veteran status.