Dolby Careers Head of Litigation

Dolby•San Francisco, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Via Licensing Alliance, a subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories, is seeking a Head of Litigation to lead its global litigation strategy. Via administers numerous patent licensing programs across various technologies, acting as the world's largest patent pool administrator. The Head of Litigation will be a senior legal strategist and business partner responsible for overseeing complex patent and commercial litigation, managing outside counsel, and aligning litigation strategy with Via's business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong judgment, strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of intellectual property law, patent litigation, licensing practices, and technology-driven business models. This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, requiring three days per week in the office.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
10+ years of litigation experience, including meaningful experience in both a top-tier law firm and in-house legal environment, with a strong focus on patent, intellectual property, and complex commercial litigation.
Proven ability to lead high-stakes litigation matters involving sophisticated technology, licensing, standards, or intellectual property issues.
Experience managing outside counsel, litigation budgets, case strategy, and executive-level reporting for complex matters.
Developing and executing innovative litigation strategies in patent and intellectual property disputes.
Applying deep knowledge of patent law, licensing agreements, standards-based technology, and related legal and regulatory frameworks.
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex legal documents, settlement agreements, licensing provisions, and dispute resolution terms with precision and sound judgment.
Developing and implementing global litigation strategies, operating models, and matter-management processes across jurisdictions.
Negotiating favorable settlements and resolving disputes in a way that balances legal risk, commercial impact, and long-term business objectives.
Exercising outstanding judgment, discretion, and professionalism when working on confidential, sensitive, or high-risk matters.
Operating effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments while maintaining clarity, discipline, and strong attention to detail.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex legal and technical issues for executive, business, and technical audiences.
Ability to collaborate with internal teams on advanced, novel, and technically complex legal issues.
A mature, seasoned perspective on patent litigation risk, enforcement strategy, dispute resolution, and the commercial implications of legal decisions.
Excellent academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to professional excellence.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end litigation strategy and execution, including early case assessment, investigation, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, settlement strategy, appeals, and final resolution.
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on litigation risk, dispute resolution strategy, licensing enforcement, and matters that may materially impact Via’s commercial objectives.
Manage and direct outside counsel to ensure thoughtful strategy, disciplined execution, efficient staffing, budget accountability, and alignment with Via’s business priorities.
Evaluate licensing requests, infringement allegations, claims, counterclaims, and settlement opportunities with strong legal judgment and business acumen.
Oversee discovery strategy, document collection, privilege review, deposition preparation, expert engagement, and review of key legal filings with close attention to detail and risk management.
Partner with internal legal, licensing, finance, product, and technical teams to gather facts, assess exposure, develop legal positions, and support successful outcomes.
Develop practical, business-oriented recommendations for resolving disputes, including litigation, arbitration, mediation, negotiated settlement, or other dispute resolution approaches.
Build and maintain strong processes for litigation management, reporting, matter tracking, budget forecasting, and executive updates.

Benefits

Flexible work options (9/80 schedule)
Competitive compensation (base + bonus)
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contribution
401(k) with 50% company match on the first 6% of eligible pay
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Generous holiday, vacation and sick leave
Supportive maternity, child bonding, and family care leave programs
Short and long-term disability benefits
Programs and resources to support your physical, financial and social well being
Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates and retreat
Catered weekly lunch + snacks and drinks when working in the office
Temporary remote work option for qualified positions
Tuition Reimbursement Program