Paralegal - IP Litigation

Sidley Austin; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP seeks an IP Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys in complex patent disputes across federal courts, PTAB proceedings and ITC investigations. The role covers all phases from discovery to appeal, including case management, filings, and trial prep.

The candidate should have patent litigation support experience, familiarity with federal practice, PTAB procedures and USPTO processes, with willingness to travel and work overtime as needed.

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
• Prepare and coordinate PTAB filings, including petitions, responses, exhibits, and related submissions
• Manage procedural aspects of litigation matters, including calendaring deadlines and coordinating filings
• Maintain knowledge of federal court, ITC, USPTO, and PTAB rules and filing systems (ECF, Patent Center, P-TACTS, EDIS)
• Assist with drafting and submitting USPTO reexamination documents
• Support discovery, including document collection, production, and deposition preparation
• Coordinate source code review processes and manage expert materials and deposition logistics
• Manage electronic/hard copy documents in Relativity, Opus 2 and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Prepare summaries, chronologies, reports, charts and other case-related materials
• Assist attorneys with drafting, reviewing, filing pleadings and trial documents
• Assist with witness preparation, hearings, depositions and trial preparation
• Prepare document productions, perform cite checking and Bluebook formatting
• Conduct legal and factual research using Lexis, Westlaw and other tools
• Train and oversee work of Project Assistants and temporary staff
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines in fast-paced environment
• Communicate professionally with attorneys, clients and business professionals
• Perform additional duties as assigned

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:

Court and Administrative Proceedings

• 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

Discovery and Case Development

• 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

Motion Practice and Trial Preparation

• 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

Professional Responsibilities

• 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/ or 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:

In addition to the above, the following may also be required of the successful candidate:

• 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

#LI-GK1

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.