Senior IP Litigation Paralegal

About the role

Senior IP Litigation Paralegal Opportunity at Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn operates as a premier global law firm, delivering strategic legal counsel on high-impact transactions and disputes. The firm's reputation is built on a fusion of meticulous precision and forward-looking vision, applied to every engagement regardless of complexity or stakes. This role is based in one of three primary locations: New York City, Washington, D.C., or Dallas.

The position of Senior IP Litigation Paralegal is a critical role within the firm's litigation infrastructure. You will operate under the guidance of supervising attorneys, taking ownership of intricate Intellectual Property cases from initial client contact through final resolution. A core component of this function involves close collaboration with dynamic legal teams on matters that frequently require appearances in venues outside the state of residence or before specialized bodies such as the International Trade Commission. Consequently, the role necessitates a willingness to travel and participate in high-pressure proceedings. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Paralegal Services and Manager, Paralegal Services.

Core Responsibilities

You will be entrusted with the end-to-end management of complex IP dockets, ensuring strict adherence to filing schedules and procedural requirements. A significant portion of your work will involve drafting and preparing court filings under the direction of supervising counsel, alongside the systematic organization and review of voluminous document productions. You will design and implement efficient workflows for document collection and analysis, particularly in the context of patent validity and infringement disputes.

A key function is the preparation of claim construction binders and all associated materials necessary for Markman hearing strategy. You will perform rigorous cite-checking on all briefs and discovery submissions to guarantee accuracy and compliance before court filing. This role also involves creating and maintaining comprehensive indices and charts that facilitate case understanding and presentation. You will mentor junior paralegal staff, instilling quality standards and procedural excellence across the team. Additional duties include coordinating with external vendors and eDiscovery providers, managing trial and arbitration readiness, and handling all logistical aspects of out-of-state engagements.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to manage complex litigation matters autonomously from inception to final judgment. Success requires exceptional organizational abilities and an unwavering commitment to detail at every procedural juncture. You must thrive in a multi-tasking environment, adeptly balancing competing priorities and stringent deadlines without compromising quality. Superior written and verbal communication skills are essential for interacting with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.

Strong analytical and reasoning capabilities are necessary to dissect intricate factual scenarios and apply legal rules effectively. You will be responsible for the accurate completion and timely submission of all timekeeping records. The role demands self-motivation and the capacity to work effectively both independently and within a geographically distributed team structure. A willingness to accept travel is mandatory, as is the ability to work additional hours during peak case demands.

Educational and professional prerequisites include a Bachelor's Degree and successful completion of a Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved institution. You must have a working familiarity with standard litigation procedures, workflows, and regulatory environments. Technical proficiency must include advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe software. Research must be conducted with expertise on LexisNexis and Westlaw platforms, alongside confident management of matters in iManage.

You will routinely utilize eDiscovery platforms, including Relativity, Opus 2, and CaseMap, to manage document-intensive workflows. Navigating the USPTO Patent Center to secure patents, review prosecution histories, and locate prior art is a regular job function. All work products must demonstrate precise patent terminology and citation formatting. Candidates with prior experience in Hatch-Waxman litigation or life sciences IP matters are strongly preferred.

Compensation and Application

The annual compensation package for this role ranges from $125,000 to $175,000, with the specific offer determined by qualifications and other relevant factors. Gibson Dunn is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Please confirm all application details on the official career page.