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About the Opportunity
Sterne Kessler is seeking a second- to fifth-year lateral Associate to join our Electronics Group in Washington, DC. This role is open to attorneys focused on electronics patent prosecution, PTAB litigation, or a combination of both.
The ideal candidate will have experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving electrical and computer engineering technologies, including semiconductors, wireless communications, and hardware. Candidates with exposure to PTAB proceedings are also encouraged to apply.
What Sets Us Apart
The resources and sophistication of a leading IP law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
Hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and choice in your in-office schedule
A vibrant in-person culture that encourages collaboration, learning, and connection
Free daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista bar
Dedicated formal mentoring and professional development
Meaningful visibility and impact within practice groups of approximately 55–70 professionals
Opportunities to work on sophisticated patent prosecution and PTAB matters involving cutting-edge technologies
Recognized multiple times by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal as a great place to work
What You’ll Do
Draft and prosecute utility patent applications, including specifications, claims, and figures
Analyze USPTO Office Actions and prepare persuasive responses and amendments addressing novelty and non-obviousness rejections
Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and USPTO rules to develop legal strategies and arguments
Interview inventors and engineers to understand inventions, technical disclosures, and relevant prior art
Manage domestic and international patent portfolios and monitor prosecution deadlines
Communicate clearly and responsively with internal teams and, as experience develops, external clients under Director supervision
Depending on experience, support PTAB litigation proceedings
What We’re Looking For
Minimum Qualifications
JD from an ABA-accredited law school
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
USPTO registration
Two to five years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, primarily involving electrical and computer engineering technologies such as semiconductors, wireless communications, and hardware
Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills
Ability to manage assignments and deadlines while providing timely, responsive service
Preferred Qualifications
Exposure to PTAB litigation proceedings
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
Location and Work Arrangement
Hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with flexible in-office scheduling and a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates.
Fully remote candidates considered; travel to Washington, DC 1-2 times per month during the first year expected. Firm assists with travel costs.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $200,000–$285,000 at a 1,900 billable hour goal or $235,000–$365,000 at a 2,000 billable hour goal, based on experience, education, and overall qualifications
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; virtual care services; an on-site Wellness Center; flexible spending accounts; a 401(k) plan; commuter benefits; backup childcare and family support; wellness and employee assistance programs; and firm-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
Compensation philosophy : The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials as a single PDF labeled “FirstName LastName Application Materials:” Resume All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) Recent writing sample. If you used generative AI in your writing sample, please include a cover page that includes details of how you used AI.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
