Sr. Paralegal - Patent Litigation

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Senior Paralegal - Patent Litigation, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, under the supervision of attorneys, performs a range of substantive cases, matters or entity-related duties. Prepares drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. Compiles, analyzes and summarizes information. Coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties and outside vendors.
Location

This position can sit in our Austin, Dallas, Houston, or Washington, DC office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
Responsibilities

• Support in all phases of patent litigation including discovery, trial, and appeal, and will include lead paralegal support at trials and hearings.

• Assist with preparation for depositions, witness interviews, hearings, trials, and arbitration. This will include pretrial motions, trial binders, trial exhibits, discovery requests, and responses.

• Review, organize, and maintain document databases for case tracking and discovery, and will require your coordination and management of large document collections and productions. 

• Utilize legal software such as Relativity in relation to eDiscovery and litigation technology including data rooms in order to assist with document reviews and productions and to prepare privilege logs.

• Support patent litigation, patent appeals, and contested proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

Desired Skills    

Must have strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook. Position is responsible for handling substantive projects and cases under the direction of lawyers. Has in-depth knowledge of practice area and generally performs with little supervision. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients on a daily basis. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle multiple projects and assignments at once. Solid technical skills are necessary to set-up, track and maintain matters. Responsibilities will include assisting attorneys in your home office and in offices across the firm. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Must have experience with conducting fact gathering and analyzing information. Anticipates needs of attorneys and exercises sound independent judgment. Possess advanced knowledge of practice area rules and procedures. Must be able to identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, regulations and other legal authorities. Has a complete understanding of the interdependence of the Firm’s practice groups. Mentors case assistants and junior paralegals. investigations.

Minimum Education    

• High School Diploma or GED.
   

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or a Paralegal certificate.
   

Certificates

• Paralegal Certificate preferred.
   

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 5 years of Paralegal experience in a specific practice area of law. 

Preferred Experience

• Preferred experience includes experience in Patent Litigation, experience with Relativity databases, experience with U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) matters, experience in Inter Partes Review (IPR), and trial experience.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:    
 

• Business Acumen: Understand the firm’s business model, operations, and strategic goals; work with PG leadership to develop and implement their strategies and initiatives in alignment to the firm’s.

• Relationship Building: Build trust and rapport with leaders and employees at all levels.

• Problem Solving: Identify root causes of issues and develop pragmatic solutions.

• Influence & Impact: Persuade others to support initiatives, balancing stakeholder needs and organizational priorities.

• Change Leadership: Champion change and help others adapt in dynamic environments.

• Analytical Thinking: Use data to drive decisions and measure outcomes.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Results Orientation: Deliver high-quality outcomes and meet commitments.

• Collaboration: foster positive work relationships with leadership, HR and firm peers.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.    

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.    

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. 
 

Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 
 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 
 

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 
 

Agency applications will not be considered.     
 

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.    
The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $51.21 - $71.08 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.
 

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.