Intellectual Property Litigation Paralegal

Our client is a premier business law firm, based in Michigan with an international practice. Recognized in Michigan as one of the Best and Brightest Places to Work, they earned this recognition by recruiting attorneys and staff members with outstanding credentials. Currently, they are seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Litigation Paralegal in any office outside their Detroit office to perform a variety of paralegal support activities for attorneys and legal professionals in the Intellectual Property Department. In addition to Detroit, they have offices in Chicago, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Bloomfield Hills, Grand Rapids, Michigan and Washington, D.C. With more than 300 attorneys working in 60 different areas of concentration, our client provides timely and cost-effective counsel to clients in numerous industries.

The Intellectual Property Litigation Paralegal will assist attorneys in all phases of litigation process from discovery, through trial and appeals with an emphasis on IP litigation. Experience working on matters before the Patent and Trial Appeal Board (“PTAB”) and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (“TTAB”) as well as International Trade Commission unfair import investigations is also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate familiarity with intellectual property litigation processes.
• Assist in deposition, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation.
• Assist with preparing and filing documents in post-grant patent proceedings (inter partes reviews and post grant reviews) before PTAB and Trademark Proceedings before TTAB.
• Provide support for International Trade Commission (“ITC”) Section 337 unfair import investigations.
• Edit and proofread documents for accuracy and compliance with applicable federal and state statutes and local rules.
• Provide detailed analysis of documents, facts, people, pleadings and written discovery.
• Complete investigative work using public resources and conduct legal and factual research.
• Analyze, summarize and compile timelines and reports regarding findings.
• Proofread and cite check evidentiary citations and support pursuant to applicable court procedures and/or the Bluebook.
• Demonstrate proficiency with ECF/PACER, including e-filings.
• Draft legal documents such as routine correspondence, Certificates of Service, discovery requests, and Subpoenas.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of pleadings and exhibits.
• Prepare materials for depositions following database and hardcopy reviews of discovery materials. Prepare witness files per attorney instruction and organize, prepare, and manage exhibits. Organize and summarize/digest deposition transcripts and prepare errata sheets.
• Review documents for responsiveness, privilege and case issues.
• Assist with all stages of litigation, including discovery, litigation holds, document collection, reviewing and summarizing documents, managing document databases in coordination with Litigation Support, preparing privilege logs, and creation of witness binders.
• Follow USPTO Trial Practice Guide and federal court local rules.
• With support of Firm Litigation Support Team, manage relationships with supporting vendors. Maintain a strong knowledge of e-discovery and related document review platforms. Interact positively with internal departments (IT, Litigation Support) and external vendors regarding electronic data, conversions, creation of databases.
• Proactively docket, manage and monitor cases and notify attorneys of actions needed.
• Provide trial support and attendance, including preparation and organization of exhibits, preparation of deposition designations, organization of witness outlines, and facilitate and support trial logistics.
• Record billable and non-billable activities consistent with Firm requirements.
• Properly handle concluded matters.
• Communicate in a concise, professional manner.
• Display a strong attention to detail as well as critical thinking skills.
• Respond to requests with a sense of urgency and effectively prioritize work.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards and legal guidelines in all aspects of case management.
• Other projects and duties as assigned by supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree, four-year degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an IP litigation paralegal.
• Understand some Rules of Civil Procedure (e.g., Rule 5, 34, etc.).
• Ability to receive and follow complex instructions, work under minimal supervision and manage multiple assignments simultaneously. Prioritization skills are essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; communicates with courtesy and tact and regularly demonstrates ability to work well with others.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office software applications.
• Experience with Westlaw, LexisNexis and Pacer.
• Lifelong learner and ability to adapt to new technologies as they become available.
• Must be a problem solver, willing to work and think energetically, and accept responsibility for producing work that is consistently complete, timely, effective, and accurate.
• Ability to handle confidential information, adhere to prescribed routines and practices, maintain records, and to make reports.
• Dependable, responsive, able to work a flexible schedule, and able to work overtime if needed. Some travel may be required.