Forensic & Litigation Services Director – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes

Discover Your Potential at Whitley Penn • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Whitley Penn is seeking a Director for its Forensic & Litigation Services – Commercial & Intellectual Property Disputes department. The department provides analysis, advice, and expert testimony to attorneys and clients involved in intellectual property and commercial disputes. The Director directs, administers, and coordinates client assignments, working closely with team members and outside counsel to implement business strategies and tactics and deliver a high level of client service. The position is based in the Houston office and follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The general work schedule is Monday through Friday, eight hours per day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with overtime as needed.

The Director calculates economic damages across a range of litigation and business matters, manages projects and staff, reviews work products, supports testifying experts in depositions and trials, participates in client engagements, leads training, and contributes to business development. The role also involves recruiting and developing associate-level professionals and fostering continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting and/or finance experience culminating in a leadership role, including management experience; consulting experience is preferred.
• Broad background and knowledge in litigation and expert services, including calculation of damages in different types of matters.
• Proficiency with technology and accounting programs, including Microsoft Office.
• Effective communication skills.
• Project management skills.
• Proven business development ability.
• Ability to manage and lead teams.
• Ethics and compliance knowledge.
• Problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in a related field.
• CPA license and/or other suitable professional credentials or designations, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Calculate economic damages in 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, identify and communicate relevant documents and testimony to team members, and ensure all documents have been reviewed.
• Manage projects by setting internal objectives, delegating assignments, and ensuring objectives are met on time.
• Identify issues, communicate case direction to Managing Directors, and make strategic recommendations based on analytical assessment of details and risk.
• Prepare complete reports and supporting documents for review by Managing Directors and Partners, producing work suitable for presentation to attorneys and clients.
• Prepare testifying experts for depositions and trials by organizing files, work papers, and important documents for efficient review.
• Work with testifying experts to develop testimony outlines and demonstrative trial exhibits.
• Review work by Associates, Senior Associates, and Associate Directors; provide feedback and ensure timely completion.
• Review schedule formatting and check numerical totals, including spelling, footing, and cross-footing, to ensure accurate financial analysis.
• Attend client meetings with Partners and Managing Directors to establish engagement scope and ongoing client expectations.
• Lead departmental training for associate-level professionals and promote continuous improvement, including scheduling in-house training and lunch-and-learns.
• Assist with recruiting, develop training materials, and instruct professional development programs.
• Initiate business development activities, develop internal and external professional networks, and participate in networking, marketing, and training events.

Benefits

• Firm-paid medical insurance, including free employee-only coverage on two of three plans.
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance.
• 17 annual firm holidays, with extended breaks around July 4 and year-end.
• 25 days of paid time off.
• 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 and wellness program.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director