Patent/IP Litigation Associate — Hybrid (DC)

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 390,000 - 440,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Wellness Center

Flexible spending

Wellness program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Commuter benefits

Back-up childcare

Pet insurance

EAP

Job summary

Sterne Kessler, a leading IP litigation firm in Washington, DC, seeks an Associate for the Trial & Appellate Group to handle high-stakes patent and IP disputes in trial-to-appeal environments. Candidates must have a JD, be licensed in the U.S., eligibility to waive into the DC Bar, and 6–8 years of IP litigation experience; hybrid schedule with in-office days, case-by-case remote options.

The role offers collaboration with top litigators and exposure to ITC, PTAB, and Federal Circuit matters

Qualifications

• 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.
• 6–8 years practicing patent and/or IP litigation at another law firm.
• Hybrid work model preferred: regular in-office presence; remote work considered case-by-case.
• Foundation in IP and patent law.
• Stellar academic credentials.

Responsibilities

• Practice high-stakes IP litigation in a trial-to-appeal environment across district courts, ITC, PTAB, and the Federal Circuit.
• Collaborate closely with nationally recognized IP litigators and assume early substantive work.
• Engage in client interaction and strategic decision-making as part of lean teams.

Skills

IP litigation

Clerkship experience

Hybrid work

IP foundation

Education

JD

DC Bar eligibility

Job description

Sterne Kessler, a leading IP litigation firm in Washington, DC, seeks an Associate for the Trial & Appellate Group to handle high-stakes patent and IP disputes in trial-to-appeal environments. Candidates must have a JD, be licensed in the U.S., eligibility to waive into the DC Bar, and 6–8 years of IP litigation experience; hybrid schedule with in-office days, case-by-case remote options.

The role offers collaboration with top litigators and exposure to ITC, PTAB, and Federal Circuit matters