Forensic & Litigation Services Associate – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes

About the role

Whitley Penn’s Forensic & Litigation Services (FLS) – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes department provides analysis, advice, and expert testimony to attorneys and clients involved in intellectual property and commercial disputes. As an FLS Associate, you will be assigned to client engagements and introduced to basic accounting and financial analysis projects, working closely with Senior Associates and management to ensure a high level of client service. This role requires excelling in a dynamic environment, a willingness to take on new responsibilities, and operating within the highest ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in calculating economic damages in various litigation matters, including patent, trademark, and copyright infringement, theft of trade secrets, breach of contract, business valuation, solvency, fraud, business interruption, personal injury, wrongful death, and wrongful termination.
• Organize, review, and summarize documents produced by clients.
• Research relevant information, including company records, entity filings, industry data, and product/technology features.
• Assist in developing financial models and preparing exhibits summarizing financial information.
• Support Senior Associates, Associate Directors, and Directors in delivering complete reports, accompanied by relevant supporting documents, to the Managing Director for review.
• Help prepare the testifying expert for client meetings, depositions, and trials, ensuring the file is well-organized and all work papers and important documents are compiled for easy review.
• Attend client meetings with Partners and managers to determine the scope of engagement and continued client expectations.
• Serve as a “Buddy” to interns, assisting them in assimilating into the department and firm.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics; advanced degree in a related field is a plus.
• CPA license is preferred and/or other suitable professional credentials or designations as needed.
• 0-2 years of experience in public accounting, demonstrating progression in complexity, scope, and number of engagement assignments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact with team members, clients, attorneys, and referral sources both internally and externally.
• Proficiency in technology and accounting programs, including MS Office.
• Skills in ethics and compliance, financial standards, models, and tools.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Desire to manage and lead teams, with an interest in continually learning and gaining knowledge.

Schedule

Hybrid (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday in office); general work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 hours/day between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with overtime as needed.

Benefits

• Firm-paid medical insurance (free employee-only coverage on 2 of 3 plans).
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance.
• 17 annual firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4th and year-end.
• 20 days PTO.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• 401(k) with profit sharing.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Firm-paid Becker CPA Review Course & reimbursement for exam fees.
• Health & wellness program.
• Pet insurance.