Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a Washington, DC-based Am Law 100 law firm, is seeking a Paralegal to Support the Intellectual Property Group. This position will support litigation lawyers and assist in the management of complex litigation cases, and handle responsibilities related to case preparation, document management and organization, legal and factual research, documentation, and trial support.

The IP Litigation Paralegal provides comprehensive support to IP litigation lawyers and IP litigation cases. Responsibilities include case preparation, document organization, legal research, documentation, and trial assistance. Requires collaborating with lawyers to oversee case organization and updates, manage case files, and ensure compliance with deadlines. The position involves legal research, utilizing various resources for data collection, analysis of issues, and summarizing findings for case strategy. Additional tasks may include document preparation, filing using PACER with CM/ECF, and managing electronic document databases. Coordinating discovery processes, including scheduling Court Reporters, assisting with Expert Reports, and handling large volumes of data are crucial aspects. The role also encompasses trial preparation support and on-site trial assistance.

Essential Functions

Case Management:

• Collaborate with lawyers to manage and organize litigation cases from inception to conclusion.
• Maintain and update case files, including pleadings, discovery documents, correspondence, and exhibits.
• Prepare and manage case timelines, calendars, and deadlines to ensure compliance.
• Coordinate with external parties, such as clients, witnesses, experts, vendors and opposing counsel, as necessary.
  
  

Legal Research And Analysis

• Utilize and navigate resources such as USPTO Patent Center, eSpacenet, WIPO, and other patent websites effectively.
• Conduct legal research using various online and offline resources (including Westlaw, LEXIS, and PACER) to gather relevant information including Lexis and Westlaw
• Analyze legal issues, court rules, statutes, regulations, and case precedents to support case strategy and decision-making.
• Summarize and present research findings to lawyers in a clear and concise manner.
  
  

Document Management

• Prepare Infringement Contentions, Invalidity Contentions, and associated discovery materials.
• File documents using PACER with CM/ECF system efficiently.
• Draft, proofread, and edit legal documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, and affidavits.
• Cite check briefs and prepare table of authorities using Best Authority.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of court documents, ensuring adherence to court rules and procedures.
• Organize and maintain electronic document databases, ensuring confidentiality and easy retrieval.
  
  

Discovery And Investigation

• Coordinate and schedule Court Reporters for depositions, and oversee the organization of received deliverables.
• Assist in the preparation of Expert Reports and relevant discovery procedures.
• Assist in the preparation and response to discovery requests, including document productions and interrogatories.
• Coordinate and manage document review processes, often involving large volumes of data.
• Utilize automated eDiscovery review systems including Relativity, CaseMap/TimeMap, West Case Notebook, among others
• Assist in conducting investigations, including locating and interviewing witnesses, and gathering relevant evidence.
  
  

Trial Support

• Assist lawyers in preparing for trials, hearings, and depositions.
• Organize and manage trial exhibits, witness lists, and other trial-related materials.
• Provide on-site support during trials, including managing exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and assisting with courtroom technology.
  
  

Time Recording

Enter time spent on tasks on a daily basis into the firm's time entry system.

Nonessential Functions

• Provide back-up coverage for other paralegals as needed
• Assist with pro bono and business development projects
• Complete other duties as assigned
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved school preferred
• Understanding of patent application processes.
• Knowledge of patent file histories including preparation of patent family trees.
• 3-5 years’ experience in Intellectual Property litigation
  
  

Success Factors

• Attention to detail: avoid common and frequent mistakes; complete complex projects and tasks without error
• Research and analysis: proficiency in research and analysis to enable informed decision-making, innovative problem-solving, and superior client service.
• Communication: convey goals and objectives clearly and in a compelling manner; listen effectively and clarify information as needed; ensure that project status, issues and successes are communicated to project team, stakeholders, sponsors, steering committee and all levels of management and documented appropriately; ensure open communications within project team.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: recognize problems or situations that are new or without clear precedent; evaluate alternatives and find solutions using a systematic, multi-step approach; develop improvements and innovations to enhance performance.
• Teamwork: able to work well with others on projects, initiatives, and tasks that require their input and cooperation.
• Excellent work ethic: ensures that all work is completed on a timely basis, maintains attendance and punctuality at a high level, available for work outside of normal business hours as needed
  
  

Work Environment

• Available to work in the office 9:00 - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule
• Non-Smoking environment
• Available to work beyond regular hours when necessary
• Available to travel as required, on short notice, to various firm offices, courthouses, or other locations in support of the firm’s clients
  
  

Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.