Lateral Associate, IP and Patent Litigation – 3rd to 5th Year

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site Wellness Center

401(k) retirement savings plan

Transportation commuter benefit

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. in Washington, D.C. seeks an Associate for its Trial & Appellate Group to handle high-stakes IP litigation in a collaborative, trial-to-appeal environment.

The role emphasizes early responsibility, client interaction, and exposure to district courts, ITC, PTAB, and the Federal Circuit in a flexible hybrid setting with in-office days. A J.D. and DC bar eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• JD and active license to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction; eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or sit for the D.C. bar.
• 3–5 years practicing patent/IP litigation at a law firm.
• Hybrid work model preferred with in-office days; remote work considered case-by-case.
• Foundation in IP and patent law; stellar academic credentials.

Skills

Tech background

Clerkship experience

USPTO registration

Education

JD degree / admitted to U.S. jurisdiction

Job description

Location:

• Washington, D.C. (hybrid)

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, with regular in-office days. You have flexibility to pick which days you work in the office.

About the Trial & Appellate Group:

As an Associate in the Trial & Appellate Group (TAG), you will have the opportunity to practice high‑stakes intellectual property litigation in a truly integrated trial‑to‑appeal environment. TAG is known for handling complex patent disputes across district courts, the ITC, PTAB, and the Federal Circuit, giving associates meaningful exposure to every phase of a case and a sophisticated understanding of how trial strategy and appellate advocacy intersect. With lean teams, hands‑on responsibility, and close collaboration with nationally recognized IP litigators, associates are trusted early with substantive work, client interaction, and strategic decision‑making—making it an ideal platform for lawyers who want to accelerate their development while working at the cutting edge of IP law.

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.
• 3-5 years practicing patent and/or IP litigation at another law firm.
• Hybrid work model preferred: 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.
• A foundation in IP and patent law.
• Stellar academic credentials.

Preferred skills:

• Technical background or experience working with complex technologies (e.g., EE, CS, life sciences)
• Judicial clerkship experience
• 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 salary range for this role is $260,000 to $365,000 at a 2000 hour billable 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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