IP and Patent Litigation Associate (ITC)

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Wellness center

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Transit benefits

Back-up childcare

Pet insurance

EAP services

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a junior Associate to join its nationally recognized U.S. ITC practice, with a focus on Section 337 investigations. This role is ideal for attorneys early in their careers who want hands-on experience, close mentorship, and formal training.

Associates will work with seasoned ITC practitioners on complex IP disputes involving cutting-edge technologies. Prior ITC experience helps but is not required; the firm is committed to training motivated attorneys

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Must be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or sit for the D.C. Bar exam.
• 2–7 years of experience practicing.
• Involved with at least 5 ITC investigations.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Interest in litigation and international trade, particularly ITC practice.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of ITC Section 337 investigations, from pre-institution strategy through hearing and post-hearing briefing
• Assist with drafting pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and briefs before the ITC
• Participate in fact and expert discovery, including document review and deposition preparation
• Contribute to hearing preparation, including witness outlines and exhibit organization
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to ITC procedure, patent law, and unfair trade practices
• Collaborate with attorneys, technical experts, and economists on complex litigation issues
• Gain exposure to parallel district court, PTAB, and appellate proceedings as appropriate

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Education

J.D. from US law school

Job description

Location:

• Washington, D.C. (hybrid). We prefer that new hires maintain a regular in-office presence (flexible on number of times per week), but will consider remote work arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

About the Role

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a junior Associate to join its nationally recognized U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) practice, with a focus on Section 337 investigations. This position is ideal for attorneys early in their careers who are interested in developing subject matter expertise in ITC litigation and are eager to learn through hands‑on experience, close mentorship, and formal training.

Associates will work closely with experienced ITC practitioners on sophisticated matters involving cutting‑edge technologies and complex intellectual property disputes. Prior ITC experience and familiarity with 19 C.F.R. and the Administrative Procedure Acts is welcome but not required—the firm is committed to training motivated attorneys who demonstrate strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities & Requirements

• Support all phases of ITC Section 337 investigations, from pre‑institution strategy through hearing and post‑hearing briefing
• Assist with drafting pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and briefs before the ITC
• Participate in fact and expert discovery, including document review and deposition preparation
• Contribute to hearing preparation, including witness outlines and exhibit organization
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to ITC procedure, patent law, and unfair trade practices
• Collaborate with attorneys, technical experts, and economists on complex litigation issues
• Gain exposure to parallel district court, PTAB, and appellate proceedings as appropriate

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. Must be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or be willing and eligible to sit for the D.C. Bar exam.
• 2–7 years of experience practicing
• Involved with at least 5 ITC investigations
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Interest in litigation and international trade, particularly ITC practice
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment

Preferred Skills

• Prior exposure to ITC proceedings, patent litigation, or administrative litigation
• Technical background or experience working with complex technologies (e.g., EE, CS, life sciences)
• Judicial clerkship experience
• Demonstrated interest in intellectual property or international trade law
• USPTO registration number desirable but not required

Working with Us

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.

Salary range

• The good faith base salary range for this role is $235,000 to $420,000 at a 2,000 billable hour goal

Billable hours:

The firm has a flexible hours program under which an Associate can request a lower billable hour goal with a commensurate salary. Under the flexible hours program, you may select a billable hour goal in the range of 1400 to 2000 hours. Associates at our firm primarily doing patent or trademark prosecution tend to select hour goals less than 2000 hours, while attorneys primarily doing litigation and/or inter partes work are more likely to select hour goals of 2000 hours.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit
• On-site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office
• Staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, offers firm employees and other qualified family members with a range of medical services
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care
• Wellness program
• Firm-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Firm-paid short and long term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long term disability insurance*, long term care insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Transportation commuter benefit program
• Back-up childcare and family support
• Pet insurance discount
• Employee Assistance Program services

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