Patent Docketing Specialist

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

Wilson Sonsini is seeking a Patent Docketing Specialist to join our Intellectual Property docketing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining all aspects of the patent computerized docket system, working closely with practice group lawyers, staff, and third-party docketing vendors to ensure efficient and effective patent support services.

This position is available as a fully remote opportunity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Calendar dates related to patent application filings, formalities, office actions, and maintenance fees
• Download and file electronic correspondence from the USPTO, foreign patent offices, or foreign agents into the document management system
• Circulate incoming correspondence from the USPTO, foreign patent offices, or foreign agents to the appropriate attorney teams
• Prepare firm-standard and custom docket reports
• Proactively monitor due dates to ensure deadlines are met on time
• Review outstanding dates in the docketing database, consult with supervisors, and advance or de-docket as instructed
• Open and close matters in the docketing database as needed
• Set up new cases in the docketing database
• Assist with intakes and transfers related to new clients, attorney hires, attorney departures, or changes in counsel
• Participate in IP practice group and docketing team meetings
• Provide backup support to other docketing staff as needed
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• 5+ years of automated patent docketing experience; candidates with more experience are also considered
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience
• Familiarity with electronic filing systems and paperless docketing
• Extensive knowledge of CPI and the USPTO's Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system
• Knowledge of U.S., PCT, and foreign patent docketing procedures
• Understanding of rules and deadlines for domestic and foreign patents
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail • Ability to manage multiple priorities • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, and Excel)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to perform duties with minimal direction
• Ability to communicate and collaborate virtually with colleagues

The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:

Palo Alto, New York, San Francisco: $39.23 - $53.08 per hour.
Austin, Boston, Boulder, Century City, Delaware, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and all other locations: $35.14 - $47.55 per hour.

The compensation for this position may include overtime and a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance them. We represent more than 300 public enterprises and 3,000 private companies in a wide range of today’s cutting-edge industries, from AI and fintech to life sciences and mobility.

For more than 60 years, our attorneys and professional staff have created a unique working environment. With deep roots in the fast-paced and innovative world of Silicon Valley, the firm fosters an entrepreneurial spirit and team-oriented approach for all employees, providing professional and personal development opportunities and encouraging all departments to promote a stable and optimal work/life balance.

Wilson Sonsini is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce globally. We have built a culture in which employees of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences are encouraged and empowered to achieve their maximum potential. Our firm is consistently recognized among the top law firms in annual diversity rankings. For example, Wilson Sonsini ranked No. 2 among firms with more than 601 attorneys in Law360’s 2025 Diversity Snapshot. Additionally, in 2025, for the seventh consecutive year, Wilson Sonsini achieved Mansfield Plus Certification, and in 2026, for the sixth consecutive year, the firm achieved a top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.

We are also dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we live and work by providing legal services, financial support, and volunteer services to worthy agencies and individuals in need. In 2025, Wilson Sonsini attorneys and staff provided more than 80,500 pro bono hours, participated in 125 community service projects, and raised over $130,000 for charitable organizations and causes. In addition, the Wilson Sonsini Foundation contributed more than $2.35 million to 112 law-related organizations and 129 community organizations in 2025.

Wilson Sonsini has 17 offices in 16 technology and business hubs worldwide.

• Austin, TX

• Boston, MA

• Boulder, CO

• Brussels, Belgium

• Century City, CA

• Hong Kong

• London

• Los Angeles, CA

• New York, NY

• Palo Alto, CA

• Salt Lake City, UT

• San Diego, CA

• San Francisco, CA

• Seattle, WA

• Shanghai (China)

• Washington, D.C.

• Wilmington, DE