Morrison Foerster LLP, an Am Law 50 law firm with 18 offices worldwide, has an opening for a Patent Billing/AP Specialist within our Patent Support Department in our Austin  Boston  Denver  Los Angeles  Miami  New York  Palo Alto  San Diego  San Francisco  Washington, D.C. office.

The Opportunity 

Working as part of a team, support the firm’s billing process by reviewing and validating incoming vendor invoices, processing for payment where appropriate.  Ensure new vendors are set up in the system and help resolve issues that arise, such as missed or misdirected invoices.  Consistently meet service standards for timeliness and work quality and quantity.  Demonstrate client service excellence and develop strong collaborative relationships with team members, vendors and MoFo Accounts Payable department, as well as MoFo patent attorneys and staff. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Working in a shared email folder, process incoming invoices for payment: validating information provided by the vendor and submitting for payment as appropriate.
• Review the invoice to ensure it contains accurate and complete information about the vendor
• Validate the work claimed for payment and account number information provided by reviewing the relevant client’s record in the firm’s patent docket system and patent file system
• Following existing procedures, upload valid invoices into the firm’s accounts payable software and accurately enter data in all prescribed fields to ensure accurate processing through the billing system.
• Following existing procedures, return inaccurate invoices to vendors for correction or re-routing, as needed.
• Review periodic statements from vendors to ensure that we have not missed any; request copies from vendor of invoices listed as outstanding that are not in the accounts payable system.
• For new vendors, provide set-up forms for them to complete, following up as needed to get them set up in the accounts payable system.  Provide appropriate forms to vendors for changes of information, such as banking information.
• Coordinate with the firm’s Accounts Payable Department to resolve issues raised by vendors regarding payments.
•  Suggest process improvements to help meet the firm goals of timely, accurate, and thorough processing and payment of vendor invoices.
• May assist with other data-related projects for the patent group, such as data entry or data validation in patent docket system.  

Teamwork and Applied Skills

• Very strong attention to detail and strong drive to ensure highest quality work product.
• Ability to manage large amounts of electronic data and maintain focus while accurately performing large amounts of data entry.
• Ability to organize time, prioritize workload effectively, and work independently.
• Analytical and information gathering skills; ability to spot issues of incomplete or inaccurate information and determine appropriate corrective steps.
• Ability to exchange information and to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely.
• A highly proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach to work and team interaction.
• Strong follow-through and persistence to ensure issues are closed out timely, completely, and appropriately, sometimes requiring multiple attempts at follow-up on outstanding issues.
• Strong initiative to proactively increase value to the position.
• Proficient with Windows-based software used by the Firm, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook. 
• Availability to work overtime; flexibility regarding work schedule highly desired.

Professional Development

• Ensure expertise in technology relevant to the position; proactively use most current technology to further teamwork, client service, and efficiency. 
• Participate in appropriate trainings provided by the firm to stay current in best practices for use of existing or new tools.

Client Service, Confidentiality, and Safety

• Consistently promote and model the Firm’s Client Service Principles in teamwork, work product, and personal interaction.
• Ensure compliance with the Firm’s Information Handling Policy, including safeguarding confidential and personal information, and reporting any suspected break appropriately and immediately.
• Adhere to the Firm’s General Safety Practices and any unique safety practices for department and building.

Teamwork and Applied Skills

• Very strong attention to detail and strong drive to ensure highest quality work product.
• Ability to manage large amounts of electronic data and maintain focus while accurately performing large amounts of data entry.
• Ability to organize time, prioritize workload effectively, and work independently.
• Analytical and information gathering skills; ability to spot issues of incomplete or inaccurate information and determine appropriate corrective steps.
• Ability to exchange information and to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely.
• A highly proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach to work and team interaction.
• Strong follow-through and persistence to ensure issues are closed out timely, completely, and appropriately, sometimes requiring multiple attempts at follow-up on outstanding issues.
•  Strong initiative to proactively increase value to the position.
• Proficient with Windows-based software used by the Firm, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook. 
• Availability to work overtime; flexibility regarding work schedule highly desired.

Professional Development

•  Ensure expertise in technology relevant to the position; proactively use most current technology to further teamwork, client service, and efficiency. 
• Participate in appropriate trainings provided by the firm to stay current in best practices for use of existing or new tools.

Client Service, Confidentiality, and Safety

• Consistently promote and model the Firm’s Client Service Principles in teamwork, work product, and personal interaction.
• Ensure compliance with the Firm’s Information Handling Policy, including safeguarding confidential and personal information, and reporting any suspected break appropriately and immediately.
• Adhere to the Firm’s General Safety Practices and any unique safety practices for department and building.
  

Ideal Candidate       

Education and Experience

• Patent experience or knowledge preferred.
• Prior experience with Chrome River and a patent docketing system preferred.
• Experience working in a large law firm preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Who We Are

At Morrison Foerster, our culture is defined by our deeds. We’re passionate about what we do. We’re equally passionate about how we do it. We resist hierarchies and operate within a model of respect — for our colleagues, their ideas, and the differences that make us stronger. We encourage you to learn more about who we are, and what we do.

Should you find you’re ready to do the best work of your life, we encourage you to let us know!

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications

Palo Alto salary range: $71k- $92k

San Francisco Salary range: $71k- $92k

New York salary range: $71k- $92k

San Diego salary range: $65k-$86k

Los Angeles salary range: $65k-$86k

Denver salary range: $63k-$81k