Design Patent Assistant — Detail‑Oriented, Hybrid Role

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox; Washington; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is seeking entry-level Design Assistants to join the Mechanical & Design group in a hybrid DC-area work arrangement.

The role emphasizes attention to detail while performing administrative duties and supporting attorneys, patent agents, and Design Paralegals in patent-related tasks. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) and strong Microsoft Office skills, with a commitment to at least 2 years and relevant IP or office experience being a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Some office, law firm, and/or IP experience is preferred.
• Art and/or design experience a plus, but not required.
• Ability to work in a highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven environment.
• Computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office and other software.
• Stellar verbal and written communication skills.
• Interest in a minimum 2-year commitment to the position.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of USPTO rules, firm procedures and policies, and established client guidelines to determine necessary action to be taken in design patent applications in response to docketed deadlines and incoming correspondence.
• Timely complete assigned tasks, and/or to create and proactively monitor projects and tasks to ensure compliance with firm and/or client Service Level Agreements.
• Exercising excellent attention to detail, professional judgment, and initiative in following firm second-eye policies when communicating with clients and preparing responsive documents to assure timeliness and that work product consistently meets the highest levels of quality.
• Assisting and supporting attorneys, patent agents, and Design Paralegals who are ultimately responsible for the legal patent services being provided to clients.
• Demonstrating ownership of assigned matters, working collaboratively with others when needed, and working at other times independently with little needed supervision.
• Handling electronic filings of documents with the USPTO, including assisting with the preparation and filing of patent applications, amendments, briefs, pleadings, petitions, memoranda, and other correspondence, including formatting, proofing, and editing of same.
• Preparing checklists, formal documents, cover letters, USPTO forms, information disclosure statements (IDS’s), and other documents traditionally prepared by patent secretaries.
• Reviewing and reporting to the client all correspondence received from the USPTO.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is seeking entry-level Design Assistants to join the Mechanical & Design group in a hybrid DC-area work arrangement.

The role emphasizes attention to detail while performing administrative duties and supporting attorneys, patent agents, and Design Paralegals in patent-related tasks. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) and strong Microsoft Office skills, with a commitment to at least 2 years and relevant IP or office experience being a