Administrative Skills, Billing, Calendar Management, Case Management, Communication Skills, County Ordinances, Court Deposition, Customer Relations, Detail Oriented, Document Management, Documentation, Establish Priorities, Expense Reports, High School Diploma, Intellectual Property (IP), Journalism, Legal, Legal Support Skills, Litigation, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Organizational Skills, Patent Litigation, State Laws and Regulations, Team Player, Time Management, iManage
LOCATION
San Diego, California
POSTED
30+ days ago
Legal Assistant - IP Litigation (Plaintiff / Defense)
Location: Downtown San Diego, CA Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Compensation: Up to $95,000, depending on experience Work Arrangement: Hybrid (up to four remote workdays per month)
Position Overview
Our Downtown San Diego law firm is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to support attorneys in a fast‑paced Intellectual Property litigation practice (plaintiff and defense). This role is a key part of the litigation team and provides high‑level administrative, organizational, and case management support to multiple attorneys handling complex, high‑stakes matters.
The ideal candidate brings mid‑ to large‑law firm experience, a stable employment history, and thrives in a deadline‑driven environment. Prior exposure to IP and/or patent litigation is highly preferred.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Drafting, formatting, proofreading, and finalizing litigation documents, including pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and correspondence
Electronically filing documents in state and federal courts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all filing rules and deadlines
Managing attorneys' calendars, including court appearances, depositions, hearings, client meetings, and internal deadlines
Monitoring case deadlines and proactively following up to ensure timely completion of tasks
Acting as a professional point of contact for clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, vendors, and expert witnesses
Scheduling and confirming appointments with clients, witnesses, court reporters, and vendors
Coordinating case materials and maintaining organized electronic and physical files
Preparing expense reports and handling billing‑related documentation
Responding promptly to inquiries and relaying accurate messages to attorneys
Providing ad hoc administrative and litigation support as needed
Required Skills & Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent (Bachelor's degree preferred)
Minimum 5+ years of litigation experience, ideally supporting multiple attorneys
Experience in a mid‑size to large law firm environment strongly preferred
Demonstrated job stability, with minimal job hopping or clear, reasonable explanations for career moves
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Experience with document management systems such as iManage
Strong understanding of litigation procedures, legal terminology, and court protocols
IP and/or patent litigation experience is a significant plus
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize competing deadlines
Professional demeanor, discretion, and strong communication skills
Work Environment
Professional, collaborative law firm environment supporting complex litigation matters
Hybrid work policy allowing up to four remote workdays per month (subject to change)
In‑office presence required for the remainder of the workweek in the Downtown San Diego office
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.