Job Title: Senior IP Conflicts Analyst
Job Responsibilities:
The Senior IP Conflicts Analyst is tasked with identifying, analyzing, and resolving all Intellectual Property (IP) conflicts requests. This role requires independent judgment and a thorough understanding of business needs to ensure that all firm engagements and hires are clear from a business and ethical perspective. The specific responsibilities include:
- Independently analyzing and processing all conflict requests, emphasizing IP-related matters.
- Preparing database search terms and creating conflicts reports for related parties, including high volume and bulk searches.
- Processing new IP patent and trademark requests with attention to patent prosecution subject matter and technology issues.
- Supporting the BIC IP Supervisor by facilitating workflow during their absence.
- Collaborating with the IP Operations team and IP Practice Team Specialists to resolve outstanding issues.
- Acting as an IP liaison for the BIC Analysts and responding to general BIC IP questions.
- Performing corporate research to confirm the identity of all parties associated with requests and addressing potential conflicts or high-profile issues.
- Identifying potential subject matter overlap conflict issues and reviewing conflicts reports and supporting documents.
- Interpreting database results and conflicts reports for firm partners, counsel, attorneys, and business professionals.
- Preparing concise descriptions of prospective conflicts based on rules of professional conduct.
- Regularly interacting with partners to investigate and discuss potential issues and propose conflict clearance solutions.
- Providing regular updates to responsible attorneys and users concerning new matters.
- Maintaining conflicts resolution notes and responses for each request.
- Requesting waivers for matters requiring consent and confirming resolution of all conflicts.
- Drafting conflict waivers and engagement letters as necessary.
- Informing and advising firm attorneys and counsel of special circumstances surrounding complicated requests.
- Collaborating with BIC IP Supervisor and other BIC Analysts on workflow and conflicts training for IP personnel.
- Participating in internal BIC IP training to expand knowledge and service.
- Acting as a key contact for IP Services on legal conflict and subject matter conflicts.
- Drafting and implementing necessary ethical screens.
- Staying aware of current legal trends and information.
- Performing conflicts case law and legal ethics research.
- Providing conflicts training for secretaries, paralegals, attorneys, and business professionals as needed.
- Performing other duties as assigned or required.
Education and Experience Information:
Required:
- After orientation at law firm, proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
- Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required.
- Ability to travel, as required.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in a law firm, legal or IP environment, or conflicts department, with 3+ years in conflicts or legal intake.
- Proficiency in IntApp Open and Contract Express or similar programs.
- Knowledge of American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and California State Bar Association’s Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Overall understanding of a corporate law practice and IP Matters.
- Proven track record of performing elevated responsibilities as a Conflicts Analyst, including proficiency in more complex analyst duties.
- Proven ability to conduct legal and corporate research.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.
- Knowledge and experience with complete conflicts resolution strongly preferred.
- Prior experience as a paralegal or legal researcher in a law firm.
Competencies:
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
- Good judgment, strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to details.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, challenging environment.
- Able to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks.
- Capable of and comfortable with communicating professionally with attorneys, directors, and managers.
- Ability to take on time-sensitive matters while recognizing legal ethical rules.
- Excellent customer service skills.
Salary Information:
The expected annual pay range for this full-time position is $90,000 - $130,000. The final offer amount will depend on geographic location, applicable experience, and skillset of the candidate.
Benefits:
Law firm offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package which includes medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults, and other parental support benefits. Benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits, 21 days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”), and 10 paid holidays each year. Generous parental leave and fertility benefits are provided. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about the many benefits and resources available.
