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