Paralegal Specialist

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
Under the supervision of attorneys, as a Paralegal Specialist, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, you will perform a range of substantive case, matter, or entity related duties. You will prepare drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. You will compile, analyze and summarize information. You will coordinate efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties and outside vendors.

Location
This position is located in our 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 and litigation technology including eDiscovery, data rooms, and will work on document reviews and 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
Excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking skills required along with ability to handle multiple projects and assignments at once. Demonstrates initiative and strong analytic abilities on a daily basis. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Provides guidance and mentors case assistants, paralegals, and junior associates. Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment for resolution. Conducts fact gathering and analyzes information. Strong writing skills and ability to draft complex legal documents. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients on a daily basis. 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 manage large volumes of documents and data in order to review, organize and maintain document databases and spreadsheets. Ability to locate and research information applicable to a particular matter, person, regulation, transaction, through online research, document review and due diligence. Anticipates needs of attorneys and exercises sound independent judgment. Possesses advanced knowledge and solid understanding of practice area processes, rules, procedures and regulations Must be able to identify interrelationships among cases, statues, regulations and other legal authorities. Has a complete understanding of the interdependence of the Firm’s practice groups. Must have knowledge of patent and trademark docketing. Knowledge of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) requirements. Must understand claim language and its impact on the outcome of the case. Knowledge of International Trade Commission (ITC) rules of procedure, including individual judges' rules. Experience conducting patent searches on PTO website as well as having the ability to search Federal Register Notices for Section 337 investigations. Prepares and labels final exhibits for submission to ITC after hearing.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate preferred.

Minimum Years of Experience 

• 10+ years of paralegal experience in a specific practice area of law. Position is responsible for handling substantive projects and cases under the direction of a lawyer. Has substantial expertise in practice area equal to or beyond what would be expected of a junior associate; generally performs with a little supervision.

Essential Job Expectations
All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands
Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

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 careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.    

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.   

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $61.30 - $81.23 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.

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.