Lateral Associate, Electronics Patent Prosecution and/or PTAB Litigation – 2nd to 5th Year

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 200,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterne Kessler, Goldstein & Fox in Washington, DC, seeks a second- to fifth-year lateral Associate for our Electronics Group. You will draft and prosecute utility patent applications in electrical/computer engineering, analyze USPTO actions, and contribute to PTAB matters as needed.

The role blends hybrid in-person and remote work with a collegial, mentoring culture. The ideal candidate has 2–5 years in patent preparation and prosecution, a JD, EB engineering background, and USPTO registration.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA-accredited law school.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• USPTO registration.
• 2–5 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience in electrical/computer engineering.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage assignments and deadlines with timely, responsive service.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

USPTO registration

Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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