Manager Commercial Litigation and IP at Publix Super Markets, Inc. in Lakeland, Florida

Job Description:

The Corporate Legal department at Publix provides a wide variety of services including responding to specific legal matters and developing compliance programs, policies, and guidelines. Within the department, the Manager Commercial Litigation and IP manages commercial and vendor related litigation matters, intellectual property portfolio, and related contract projects. Ideal candidates are analytical with strong written and verbal communication skills.  

In Publix's corporate offices, we value in-person interactions, similar to those our store associates have with customers. This is an in-office role located in our Lakeland, FL, corporate office

What you’ll do 

• develop strategies for and manage legal demands, claims, and litigation, including discovery, related to vendor/commercial matters such as copyright, patent and trademark infringement, antitrust, bankruptcy, breach of contract, TCPA, plaintiff class action claims, etc.


• enforce and manage Publix’s trademark portfolio and non-litigation patent matters


• develop and institute strategies for the review, drafting, and negotiating of related contracts entered into by Publix 


• serve as Corporate Counsel’s technology manager to ensure innovation and quality improvement 


• manage the group’s Legal Assistant 


• interface with outside counsel and other vendors, including outside counsel management, engagement letter management and invoice reviews 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 


• at least five years experience in litigation management, intellectual property management, or paralegal experience in a business law related field  


• expertise to quickly learn new software systems  


• intermediate Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and Outlook skills  


• ability to draft and negotiate contracts and be an advocate for Publix 


• ability to show discretion and integrity 


• ability to make quick and appropriate decisions 


• ability to work well with others and be a team player 


• ability to multi-task and problem solve 


• strong leadership and interpersonal skills


• strong negotiation and meditation skills 


• demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, and pride in work


• willingness to work a variable work schedule of at least 45 hours/week, including evenings and weekends, with limited travel and overnight stay if necessary 


• willingness to commute daily to the Lakeland work location 


• willingness to work in a cross-functional department setting  


• willingness to work with multiple management levels  


• excellent attendance and punctuality record 


• commitment to Publix and our mission 

• Master’s degree 


• five or more years experience in litigation management, intellectual property management or paralegal experience in a business law related field 


• Paralegal, Intellectual Property Management, or Litigation Management certification 


• Notary Public  


• intermediate Ariba and Lawtrac system skills 


• expert Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and Outlook skills

• Employee stock ownership plan that contributes Publix stock to associates each year at no cost


• An opportunity to purchase additional shares of our privately-held stock


• 401(k) retirement savings plan


• Group health, dental and vision plans


• Paid Time Off


• Paid Parental Leave


• Short- and long-term disability insurance


• Tuition reimbursement


• Free hot lunches (buffet-style) at facilities with a cafeteria


• Visit our website to see all of our benefits: Benefits - Jobs (publix.com)