Lateral Associate, Biotechnology or Chemical – 3rd to 5th Year

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site Wellness Center

Flexible spending accounts

Wellness program

Firm-paid life insurance and AD&D

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Transportation benefits

Back-up childcare

Pet insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sterne Kessler, a premier IP law firm in Washington, D.C., seeks an attorney to join the Biotechnology & Chemical Group on a hybrid basis. JD licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction and eligibility to waive into the D.C.

Bar are required. The role focuses on patent prosecution across biotech, chemistry, and related sciences, with 3–5 years’ experience, USPTO registration, and a strong foundation in IP. Excellent written and verbal skills to clearly convey complex legal concepts are essential; remote

Qualifications

• JD and licensed attorney in a U.S. jurisdiction; must be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or sit for the D.C. bar exam.
• Master’s degree focused on molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, human genetics, antibodies, immunology, or related scientific discipline
• 3–5 years practicing patent prosecution at another law firm
• USPTO registration number
• A strong foundation in IP and patent law
• Previous wet lab experience preferred
• The ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and concisely

Skills

IP law fundamentals

Clear communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Master’s degree in molecular biology/biochemistry/biotech/chemistry

PhD preferred

Job description

Location:

• Washington, D.C. (hybrid)

Application requirements

Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm, we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. To submit a complete application, please ensure the following documents are included:

• Resume
• Recent writing sample
• All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted)

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.

Role location:

• This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid basis, though remote candidates in the United States will still be considered. If you’re hybrid in the Washington, D.C. office, you have flexibility to pick which days you work in the office.

About the Biotechnology & Chemical Group

Our Biotechnology & Chemical Group is known for its market‑leading depth in life sciences and chemical patent work and its close connection to cutting‑edge innovation. The group handles sophisticated patent prosecution, PTAB proceedings, and strategic counseling for technologies spanning biotech, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and materials science, allowing associates to work at the intersection of science, law, and business. With a collaborative culture, strong mentorship, and early responsibility on complex matters, associates gain hands‑on experience shaping robust patent portfolios and defending them in high‑stakes disputes—making the group an ideal home for lawyers who want intellectually rigorous work and long‑term professional growth in a premier IP practice.

Requirements

• JD and actively licensed as an attorney in a 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.
• Master’s degree focused on molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, human genetics, antibodies, immunology, or related scientific discipline
• 3-5 years practicing patent prosecution at another law firm
• USPTO registration number
• A strong foundation in IP and patent law
• Previous wet lab experience preferred
• The ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and concisely

Preferred Skills

• PhD preferred, with focus on focused on molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, human genetics, antibodies, immunology, or related scientific discipline
• Previous wet lab experience
• Stellar academic credentials

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 salary range for this role is $225,000 to $285,000 at a 1900 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

#LI-Hybrid OR #LI-Remote