Litigation Legal Assistant - IP

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