Senior IP Litigation Paralegal

Senior IP Litigation Paralegal Washington, D.C.SummaryWe are currently seeking an experienced IP Litigation Paralegal. Typically one IP Litigation Paralegal is assigned to most IP litigation cases, particularly those that are large, complex, or multi-party actions. The Paralegals work with all of the attorneys on the matter from the commencement of the case through trial and is responsible for managing the flow of information and ensuring adherence to best practices.What you'll be doingLitigation Case ManagementInteracts with vendors and directly with government agencies (e.g., Patent & Trademark Office, etc.) to obtain information and materials (e.g. certified patents; patent file histories and wrappers, etc.)Manages document production processes (e.g., hard copy, electronic, etc.)Collects material from client, opposing parties, and third parties (hard copies, electronic data, physical evidence)Maintains chain of custodyWorks in all phases of the discovery process, from collection of documents from the client to the production of documents to other parties.Works with the client and their in-house legal staff to collect relevant electronic and paper documents and data, as well as assists at client interviews and on-site document reviewsOnce documents and data is collected, designs and manages the document review process to help identify and track potentially responsive, confidential, and privileged materialsDesigns and implements document review systemsCompiles information necessary to respond to interrogatories, document requests, and requests for admission served on their clientsPrepares privilege logsManages logistics of production of documents (e.g., hard copy, images, native, etc.)Manages the files ("case record") including a complete set of the correspondence, memos, pleadings, and client documents in a matterHelps monitor deadlines by creating and maintaining calendars of key datesSubstantive ResearchAnalyzes documents and materialsPerforms factual researchCompiles information into charts, graphs and timelinesResearches prior testimony and publications of opposing expertsResearches rules of procedure for relevant court venues, and assures adherence theretoCoordinates preparation and filing of briefs and legal documentsDrafts routine filings (e.g., attorney appearances, notices of filings, notices of motions)Legal cite checking, shepardizing (Westlaw, Lexis)Fact checkingAssembles and organizes appendices, exhibits, and supporting documents and arranges for filing with the court and serving on all partiesBlue Book formatting, application of local rulesPrepares and submits electronic court filingsInteracts with outside entities (e.g., clients, government agencies, expert witnesses, consultants, other law firms, opposing parties, court personnel, etc.)Works with trial consultants on graphics, linking deposition videos and other demonstratives, and coordinates courtroom logistics with courthouse personnelManages litigation support systemsDatabases (Relativity, Concordance, etc,)Transcript management systems (LiveNote)Calendaring, task sharing, collaborative systemsManages preparation for witnesses and depositionsManages preparation of witness and subject filesCompiles and organizes exhibitsAssists in preparation of witness outlinesManages technical logistics for depositions and court reporting agencies (e.g., remote hookups, electronic transcripts, videography, synchronization, etc.)Manages deposition transcripts and exhibits and maintains searchable computer databases of testimonyFor expert depositions, works with expert witnesses, researches prior testimony and publications, and tracks materials sent to the expertsManages trial preparation and trial supportWorks with the attorneys, experts, and client to identify and compile potential trial exhibits, generate trial exhibit lists, and track objections to each party's exhibitsPrepares deposition designations, and compiles Pretrial Orders and other submissionsSets up and manages off-site trial offices and trial support (e.g., remote office setup and logistics)Coordinates the scheduling of witnesses for preparation and testimonyAt trial, prepares materials for each day's examinations, tracks the use and admission of exhibits, tracks and reviews witness testimony, and delivers and picks up all materials at the courtroom each dayManages resourcesSupervises legal staffObtains and supervises support from Firm departments (e.g., Litigation Support, Graphics Services, Purchasing, Trial Support Services, etc.)Manages relationships with supporting vendors (e.g., graphics, court reporters, trial support, hotels, etc.)Manages the large volume of documents and information during the discovery phase of litigation by setting up databases, either on-line or in-house, obtaining assistance and support as necessary from Litigation Support and from outside vendorsInitiativeAnticipates needs, acts without direction, asks questionsHandles many projects at one timeAssumes responsibility for self (and team); does not blame othersSeeks and implements new and better ways of working; process improvementsMarkets services to attorneysWilling to take risks, seek challenges, take over difficult or unconventional projects; can take on a project at any stagePerformance ManagementTrains staff and encourages development of knowledge and abilitiesEnforces Firm policiesStays within cost and resource constraintsAssigns work based on abilities of subordinates and to ensure success in meeting needs and deadlines; identifies strengths and weaknesses of team membersHolds subordinates accountable for achieving expectations and working efficientlyUses flexible approaches to different staff membersTalks openly and directly with subordinates about performance problems, providing guidance and direction; prepares skill development plansEstablishes and refines procedures to increase efficiency based on evidenceDesigns systems and procedures to be consistent and to meet high standardsSolving ProblemsBreaks problems into component parts to find most appropriate solutionResearches and finds solutions for problemsFinds and tries more than one solution, as well as Client solutions, to stop problem from returningMakes decisions within appropriate time frame and cost constraintsWhen needed, makes decisions with incomplete or imperfect information; handles ambiguity wellManaging InformationDesigns, implements, and refines systems to absorb large volumes of data that can be easily retrieved by othersTeaches others to sort and store information using several systemsEstablishes and maintains security and confidencesManages large quantity of changing information in high stress circumstancesGathering InformationUnderstands purpose of information and disseminates information in clear and concise fashionUses varied internal and external sources, and creative approaches, in locating informationDevelops methods and systems to obtain and organize informationConsiders time and cost constraints; evaluates and refines data-gathering methodsLeading Teams (for those managing teams/staff)Keeps members informedMaintains a positive working environment and gives credit and recognitionKeeps group motivated during long hours of work and high stressLeads differing types of teams - flexible, cross-functionalCommunication (oral, voicemail, e-mail)Works well with attorneys, clients, experts, vendors, consultantsEffectively listens and responds; detects underlying meaningMaintains professionalism and clarity in communicationDisplays tact and good judgmentChanges communication style and mode as neededExplains complex information and interprets dataMaintains confidentialitySells ideas and proposals to partners, clientsInfluencing OthersUnderstands where to go for information and to accomplish tasksModels behavior desired in others - leadership by examplePromotes change within organizationPersuades individuals and groups (partners, clients) to adopt best practicesUsing TechnologyKeeps up to date on changes and improvements of technologies relevant to practice areaSelects and applies most effective technologies to client mattersTrains staff and attorneys on use of technologyUses complicated technical functions, and adapts technology for own needsDevelops and helps select new technical applications within the FirmMonitoring for Accuracy, Quality and OrderMaintains high work quality while working under pressure of deadlines and competing prioritiesMonitors details and quality of others' work (staff, attorneys)Develops and manages complex systems to coordinate development and compilation of work product involving attorneys (sometimes across practice areas), clients, other parties, potential bidders and investors, staff, consultants, and vendors in accordance with strict and often accelerated schedulesSkills we're seeking5+ years of experience as a Paralegal, ideally in big law2+ years of experience with IP Litigation Paralegal experienceExperience managing large discovery requests and responsesElectronic court filing (ECF) experienceExperience with litigation support applicationsNice to havesBachelor's Degree or Master's DegreeExperience with Copyright and Trademark LitigationExperience managing out-of-town trial offices for cases that have gone to verdictAbility to work overtime (overtime is paid)