The SMU Dedman School of Law is seeking a Trademark Faculty Supervisor for The Small Business and Trademark Clinic (“SBT Clinic”), which provides free legal services to new and existing small businesses and non-profit organizations that cannot afford to pay legal fees. As it does so, it provides students with opportunities to develop the legal and professional skills as they represent real clients in real legal matters.
Clinic Description:
The SBT Clinic includes a classroom component, with students earning academic credit, and an experiential component, with students representing real clients in real matters. The Trademark practice of the clinic is part of the Law Clinic Certification Program of the United States Patent Office (USPTO). Through these components, students acquire practical skills and training in many areas used by business lawyers in private practice, including:
- Start-up services for non-profit organizations, including assisting in applying for tax-exempt status
- Start-up services for small for-profit businesses, including counseling on organizational structure and operations
- Preparation of various documents used in the formation of new businesses, including certificates of formation, bylaws, company agreements, and corporate resolutions
- Negotiation and drafting of legal contracts and documents used by small businesses and non-profit organizations
- Legal advice regarding the implications and use of various contracts, leases and other documents
- Review of contracts presented to small businesses and non-profit organizations by third parties
- Research or clearance search to determine availability of trademark for registration
- Preparation of federal trademark applications with the United States Patent & Trademark Office and state trademark applications with the Texas Secretary of State
Trademark Faculty Supervisor Responsibilities and Qualifications:
The Trademark Faculty Supervisor has primary responsibility for supervising students in connection with their trademark work and is the attorney of record on all patent and trademark applications filed with the USPTO through the clinic, and must maintain written records of all documents submitted to the USPTO through the clinic.
The Trademark Faculty Supervisor also works closely with the SBT Clinic Director, who focuses on clinic administration and teaching related to business and nonprofits. The Trademark Supervisor is responsible for the following: (1) teaching 3-4 sessions of the fourteen-week seminar focusing on core practice issues relevant to trademark research and application practice, as well as practical lawyering skills needed in the effective representation of clients; (2) updating as needed policies, protocols and procedures that govern the trademark work of the Clinic; and supervising and evaluating the trademark work of approximately 6-8 students per semester.
During times when students are not enrolled, the SBT Clinic Trademark Faculty Supervisor is responsible for maintaining the Clinic’s trademark docket, including handling inquiries and correspondence with clients and others.
Qualifications:
J.D. degree required. Candidates must have an excellent academic record and must be licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas and in good standing. Candidates must also possess at least three years of experience in prosecuting trademark applications before the USPTO within the last five years. See 37 C.F.R. §§ 11.16(c)(2)(i) and 11.16(c)(2)(ii). The Trademark Supervisor also should have excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks and a diverse caseload, and the desire to build collaborative relationships within legal clinic programs, the law school and the larger community. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
The position is part-time. The Trademark Faculty Supervisor is expected to spend approximately 5-10 hours per week on clinic duties, which includes time for class instruction and student supervision (review of trademark research, research memos, and draft trademark applications, communications with clients, etc.). However, additional time, approximately 5-10 hours per week, may be required depending on student activity and clinic work load.
Salary:
Salary commensurate with experience, paid monthly.
Apply:
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume by May 9 to bettya@smu.edu
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768- 3601, accessequity@smu.edu. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.