Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
RECENT COMMUNITY SERVICE
PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Timeline
Generic

VIRGINIA L. MCCORMICK

TIBURON,CA

Summary

Collaborative leader partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Analytical problem-solver proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Overview

2027
2027
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Operations Manager, Legal

Cisco Systems, Inc.
San Jose, CA
08.2016 - 07.2026
  • Implemented strategic initiatives that improved resource allocation and reduced operational costs.
  • Mentored junior staff, promoting skill development and enhancing team productivity through knowledge sharing.
  • Reviewed company’s strategic plans and developed departmental goals and standards to support the vision.
  • Increased overall efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflow.
  • Trained new hires, providing information, and insight into corporate policies and procedures.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and driving growth.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Legal Consultant, Trademark/Copyright/Marketing

Self-employeed
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
2013 - 2016
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts, agreements, and other legal documents for accuracy.
  • Provided guidance on regulatory compliance and risk management strategies to clients.
  • Developed tailored legal strategies to address client-specific needs and challenges.
  • Conducted legal research to support client cases and ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Researched related literature regarding issues at hand.

Senior Research Associate / Trademark Administrator

HIARING + SMITH, LLP
San Rafael, CA
01.2010 - 2013
  • Work directly with clients, foreign associate counsel, USPTO and Copyright Office
  • Prepared, budgeted, oversaw, and ran domestic and international filing programs, ensuring compliance and timely submissions for clients
  • Managed trademark portfolio of over 3000 active marks, supporting clients in brand protection and enforcement strategies

Independent Contractor / Senior Research Associate

LAW OFFICE OF ANNE HIARING
San Rafael, CA
01.1999 - 01.2010
  • Developed and implemented international trademark filing program for corporate division, managing budgeting, foreign associate database, and handling legalization and filing formalities
  • Met with clients to prepare domestic and foreign filing quotes and filing strategies; implemented plans; researched and consulted on TTAB matters.
  • Conducted comprehensive review and analysis to draft trademark availability reports, providing clients with critical insights for decision-making
  • Drafted legal documents, including contracts and pleadings, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Conducted legal research to support case preparation and documentation.

Manager, Corporate Legal Services

The GAP
San Francisco, CA
01.1992 - 01.1997
  • Managed trademark portfolios for Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, covering clearance, protection, maintenance, enforcement, docketing, data management, and international anti-counterfeiting.
  • Oversaw and directed multi-jurisdictional international litigation focusing on developing evidence to establish famous mark status
  • Developed budget and tiered filing strategy and implemented and directed international trademark filings reintroduction of Old Navy brand
  • Conducted in-house educational seminars, advising advertising and product development departments on domestic and international advertising clearance and contract negotiation
  • Developed guidelines and directed business partners on domestic and international labeling, merchandising, and licensing requirements across divisions, including personal care division launch
  • Worked directly with Customs for enforcement and directed domestic and international raids
  • Directed International Sales Program and supervised Manager of International Sales Program and administrative support staff
  • Developed and ensured compliance with the corporate legal department budget.
  • Worked directly with business associates and executive management across all divisions

Paralegal/Senior Paralegal

GRAHAM & JAMES
San Francisco, CA
01.1980 - 01.1992
  • Direct contact and responsibility for “large portfolio” clients
  • Conducted and analyzed preliminary and full trademark search reports, providing actionable insights for trademark strategy
  • Handled all aspects of trademark prosecution from filing to registration, including post-registration maintenance, corporate due diligence, assignments, and name changes.
  • Collaborated with foreign associate counsel to manage international trademark applications from filing to registration and maintenance
  • Assisted with TTAB research and drafting of pleadings
  • Copyright registration
  • Licensing and contacts on behalf of Determined Productions, exclusive licensee for Snoopy plush
  • Managed licensing agreements and communication with partners on behalf of Determined Productions, exclusive licensee for Snoopy plush
  • Processed copyright registrations for creative works

Legal Secretary/Paralegal

OWEN, WICKERSHAM & ERICKSON
San Francisco, CA
01.1978 - 01.1980
  • Prepared trademark and patent prosecution documents to support legal processes
  • Patent case law research
  • Drafted design patent applications for review and submission
  • Prepared formal patent and trademark drawings for USPTO filing compliance

Administrative Assistant to Associate Dean

GOLDEN GATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
San Francisco, CA
01.1977 - 01.1978
  • Facilitated communication between students and faculty to enhance collaboration; Coordinated teacher evaluations to ensure timely feedback for faculty performance; Organized moot court programs to enhance student learning and engagement

Education

Advanced Placement Studies - Etching

San Francisco Art Institute
San Francisco, CA

BFA, Studio Arts, Magna cum Laude - Fine Arts

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

RECENT COMMUNITY SERVICE

Redwood High School Music Department, 2006, Present, Designed, created and maintained department website, Through community outreach and performance, raised $60,000 to fully refurbish 1927 “L” Steinway piano, Responsible for non-profit organization increasing annual operating budget by 400%, Created library for guitar curriculum program, Managed guest teacher program and attracted guest artists including soul/blues artist Booker “T” Jones and guitarist Andre DeGrassi

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Published in EuroMoney on trade dress and trademark matters. Speaker for the International Trademark Association. Presenter at UC Davis extension on trademark matters for the wine industry.
  • Performing musician on flute and piano with Larkspur and Albany chamber ensembles.
  • Performing member Marin Community Symphony.

Timeline

Business Operations Manager, Legal

Cisco Systems, Inc.
08.2016 - 07.2026

Senior Research Associate / Trademark Administrator

HIARING + SMITH, LLP
01.2010 - 2013

Independent Contractor / Senior Research Associate

LAW OFFICE OF ANNE HIARING
01.1999 - 01.2010

Manager, Corporate Legal Services

The GAP
01.1992 - 01.1997

Paralegal/Senior Paralegal

GRAHAM & JAMES
01.1980 - 01.1992

Legal Secretary/Paralegal

OWEN, WICKERSHAM & ERICKSON
01.1978 - 01.1980

Administrative Assistant to Associate Dean

GOLDEN GATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
01.1977 - 01.1978

BFA, Studio Arts, Magna cum Laude - Fine Arts

San Francisco State University

Legal Consultant, Trademark/Copyright/Marketing

Self-employeed
2013 - 2016

Advanced Placement Studies - Etching

San Francisco Art Institute
VIRGINIA L. MCCORMICK