Senior IP Conflicts Analyst

Cooley is seeking a Senior IP Conflicts Analyst to join the Business Intake & Conflicts team.

Position summary: The Senior BIC IP Conflicts Analyst is responsible for the identification, analysis, and resolution of all Intellectual Property (IP) conflicts requests, using independent judgment and demonstrating a thorough understanding of business needs when clearing incoming IP work. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position responsibilities:

• Independently analyze and process all conflict requests, with an emphasis on IP-related matters to ensure that all firm engagements and hires are clear from a business and ethical perspective
• Prepare database search terms and create conflicts reports for related parties, for all requests including high volume, bulk searches
• Process new IP patent and trademark requests, with special attention to patent prosecution subject matter and technology issues
• Support the BIC IP Supervisor by facilitating workflow when out of the office
• Work with the IP Operations team and the IP Practice Team Specialists to resolve outstanding issues
• Serve as an IP liaison for the BIC Analysts, and respond to general BIC IP questions as necessary
• Perform corporate research to confirm the identity of all parties associated with requests and address any potential conflicts or high-profile issues
• Identify potential subject matter overlap conflict issues, identify existing and potential conflicts for each request by reviewing and analyzing conflicts reports and supporting documents
• Understand and interpret database results and conflicts reports for firm partners, counsel, attorneys and business professionals
• Prepare concise, comprehensive descriptions of prospective conflicts landscape based on the rules of professional conduct for attorneys and other submitters
• Interact regularly with partners - through email and telephone to investigate and discuss potential issues and propose solutions in connection with conflict clearances
• Provide regular updates to responsible attorneys and other users in connection with new matters
• Maintain conflicts resolution notes and responses for each request
• Request waivers for all matters requiring consent and confirm that all conflicts have been resolved
• Draft conflict waivers and engagement letters, as necessary
• Inform and advise firm attorneys and counsel of any special circumstances surrounding complicated requests
• Collaborate with the BIC IP Supervisor and other BIC Analysts and Specialists on workflow, subject matter and conflicts training for all IP personnel
• Proactively participate in internal BIC IP training opportunities to expand knowledge and service on an ongoing basis
• Serve as key point of contact for IP Services on all matters of legal conflict and subject matter conflicts
• Draft and implement necessary ethical screens
• Awareness of current legal trends and information
• Perform conflicts case law and legal ethics research
• Provide conflicts training for secretaries, paralegals, attorneys and business professional, as needed
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience:

Required:

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the 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 a demonstrated 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

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $90,000 - $130,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including 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. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off ("PTO") and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.