Intellectual Property Counsel

When you join Verizon

Verizon is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services, transforming the way we connect around the world. We’re a human network that reaches across the globe and works behind the scenes. We anticipate, lead, and believe that listening is where learning begins. In crisis and in celebration, we come together—lifting up our communities and striving to make an impact to move the world forward. If you’re fueled by purpose, and powered by persistence, explore a career with us. Here, you’ll discover the rigor it takes to make a difference and the fulfillment that comes with living the #NetworkLife.

What you’ll be doing...

This position is part of the Verizon Litigation group and will be based in either Basking Ridge, NJ, or Washington DC.  In this position, you will manage or assist in managing a docket of intellectual property (IP) lawsuits, threats, and/or subpoenas.  Patent disputes comprise the majority of our IP docket but our IP Litigation team also manages trademark, copyright, and trade secret issues.  You may also manage and advise on general litigation matters.  Some of your work will involve actively managing outside counsel while owning ultimate responsibility for all strategic decision-making.  Other work will be “hands on,” such as drafting and preparing filings and other litigation work product, discovery, strategy, and settlement negotiations. 

This position is junior to our more experienced IP Litigators.  Consequently, you will learn by assisting in matters handled by others and by managing less significant lawsuits, threats, and/or subpoenas.  We expect your responsibilities to grow over time.

Ultimately, this position requires an experienced and motivated attorney with excellent judgment and the ability to handle a wide range of communications and business issues in high stakes IP matters. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing for and managing both affirmative and defensive court litigation at all levels and at various stages, including pre-filing assessments, complaints and answers, motions practice, discovery, mediation / dispute resolution, trial, and appeal.

• Investigating, drafting narrative responses, and producing documents in response to third party subpoenas or investigations.

• Reading and analyzing patents so as to assess possible infringement risk, validity issues, and other defenses.

• Understanding Verizon’s technical and business practices so as to assess possible infringement risk and other defenses.

• Managing all aspects of discovery, including document retention, document productions, written discovery responses, and fact and expert witness testimony.

• Evaluating and managing significant financial, strategic, and reputational risks to Verizon while eliciting input from key internal stakeholders and communicating effectively with senior management.

• Sharing and integrating lessons learned in litigation to continuously improve company practices.  Analyzing and providing input on best practices to avoid litigation risk.

• Engaging and closely supervising outside counsel, including the ability to drive operational and cost efficiencies with law firms and to help promote Verizon’s diversity and inclusion objectives.

• Collaborating effectively and respectfully with colleagues within the Litigation group and across the company.

What we’re looking for...

You’ll need to have:

• JD degree and six or more years of relevant work experience.

• Admission and good standing in at least one state.

Even better if you have one or more of the following:

• Strong written, oral, and presentation skills.

• Strong judgment, integrity, and pragmatic thinking.

• Proven ability to professionally manage time, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and process a high volume of work in a timely and accurate manner with exceptional attention to detail.

• Proven ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

• Strong sense of collegiality and team-minded attitude.

• Ability to interact comfortably with all levels of personnel and to deliver legal advice to executives and other senior clients.

• Significant experience with telecommunications technology.

• Experience with the US Patent & Trademark Office and/or courts that are popular jurisdictions for patent infringement actions (e.g., the Eastern District of Texas). 

If Verizon and this role sound like a fit for you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every “even better” qualification listed above.

In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes work from home and assigned office days set by your manager.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Equal Employment Opportunity 

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees’ differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.