Paralegal - IP Litigation

Sidley Austin (DC) LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP seeks an IP Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys in complex patent disputes in federal courts, PTAB proceedings, and ITC investigations. You will manage discovery, filings, and trial prep, coordinating with experts and eDiscovery platforms.

The role requires prior patent-litigation support experience, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle confidential information in a fast-paced environment. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials.
• Previous experience in a law firm.
• Proficient at Microsoft Office and eDiscovery software.

Responsibilities

• Support complex patent disputes in federal district courts, inter partes review and other contested proceedings before the USPTO, PTAB, and ITC Section 337 investigations.
• Serve as a key resource to litigation and trial teams in high-stakes patent disputes.
• Provide comprehensive case management support throughout the full case lifecycle, from inception through trial and appeal.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Discretion

Legal research

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Paralegal certificate

Job description

The IP Litigation Paralegal supports attorneys in complex patent disputes in federal district courts, proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), including inter partes review, and investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The role provides comprehensive case management support through all phases of matters, including discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeal. The position requires experience supporting patent litigation and familiarity with federal court practice, PTAB procedures, and USPTO proceedings. Flexibility to work overtime and occasional travel may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support complex patent disputes in federal district courts, inter partes review and other contested proceedings before the USPTO, PTAB, and ITC Section 337 investigations, including oversight of case management, filings, and trial preparation.
• Serve as a key resource to litigation and trial teams in high‑stakes patent disputes.
• Provide comprehensive case management support throughout the full case lifecycle, from case inception through trial and appeal, in large, complex patent matters.
• Prepare and coordinate PTAB filings, including petitions, responses, exhibits, and related procedural submissions in accordance with PTAB rules.
• Manage procedural aspects of litigation matters, including calendaring deadlines and coordinating filings.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of federal court, ITC, USPTO, and PTAB rules, filing requirements, and electronic filing systems, including ECF, Patent Center, P-TACTS, and EDIS.
• Assist with drafting and submitting USPTO reexamination documents.
• Support all phases of discovery, including document collection, production, and deposition preparation.
• Coordinate and manage source code review processes, including secure review logistics and compliance with protective orders.
• Coordinate with experts, including management of expert materials, reports, and deposition logistics.
• Manage electronic and hard copy documents using case management and eDiscovery platforms, including Relativity, Opus 2, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Prepare summaries, chronologies, reports, charts, and other case‑related materials.
• Assist attorneys with drafting, reviewing, and filing pleadings and other litigation documents.
• Assist with witness preparation, hearings, depositions, and trial preparation and attendance.
• Prepare document productions, perform cite checking and Bluebook formatting, and proofread briefs and other legal documents.
• Conduct legal and factual research using Lexis, Westlaw, and other research tools.
• Train and oversee the work of Project Assistants and temporary staff.
• Effectively manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with attorneys, clients, and business professionals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials.
• Previous experience in a law firm.
• Proficient at Microsoft Office applications and eDiscovery software.

Preferred

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program.
• 10+ years of paralegal experience.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good judgment.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
• Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

The target salary range for this role is: $115,000 - $150,000 if located in Washington, D.C. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results. Business professionals are essential to the firm’s ability to deliver the highest quality legal services to our clients. We are always looking for talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a performance‑driven culture to join our team. Sidley employs approximately 2,300 lawyers working with our clients in complex transactional, restructuring, crisis management, investigation, regulatory, and litigation matters. Our 160 years of perspective and reach are truly global, supported by 21 offices strategically situated in key commercial, regulatory, and financial centers across the world. Our lawyers and business professionals, fluent in more than 75 languages, possess the cultural awareness and cross‑border legal acumen needed to bring clarity to a dynamic business landscape.