Forensic & Litigation Services Senior 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. The FLS Director will direct, administer, and coordinate client assignments and work closely with team members and outside counsel to ensure business strategies and tactics are effectively implemented and a high level of client service is achieved.

Whitley Penn is one of the fastest-growing public accounting firms, offering Audit, Tax, and a wide range of Advisory and Consulting services. We emphasize collaborative teams, an open-door policy, entrepreneurial thinking, and a strong culture of learning, innovation, and shared achievement.

Responsibilities

• Calculate economic damages in litigation matters involving 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.
• Review and analyze documents; highlight and communicate relevant documents and testimony to team members; ensure all documents have been reviewed.
• Communicate with Associate Directors, Directors, and Managing Directors on case direction and assist in making strategic recommendations; exercise analytical skills for details and potential risks.
• Assist Associate Directors and Directors in delivering complete reports, accompanied by relevant supporting documents, to the Managing Director for review.
• 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 quick and easy review.
• Attend client meetings with Partners and Directors to determine scope of engagement and continued client expectations.
• Develop an internal and external circle of influence; participate in networking events, marketing events, and training.
• Effectively manage projects by setting internal objectives, delegating assignments, and ensuring objectives are met in a timely manner.
• Lead departmental training for associate-level professionals and foster a learning environment of continuous improvement; schedule in-house training and lunch-and-learns.
• Review the work of Associates and Senior Associates, providing feedback for corrections and changes; ensure staff’s work is completed in a timely manner.
• Review formatting of schedules prepared (e.g., deleting extra lines, consolidating information); perform spell-check, footing, and cross-footing of numerical totals for accurate financial analysis.
• Assist in recruiting, developing training material, and acting as an instructor in professional development programs.

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.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in accounting and/or finance, preferably in an accounting firm or other professional services environment.
• Broad background and knowledge in litigation support/expert services.
• Proficiency in technology and accounting programs including MS Office.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Desired skills to manage and lead teams.
• Strong ethics and compliance awareness.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Familiarity with financial standards, models, and tools.
• 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 and 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 and reimbursement for exam fees.
• Health & wellness program.
• Pet insurance.