IP and Patent Litigation Associate (ITC)

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)

• 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

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

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.

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.

As an Associate in the Trial & Appellate Group, you will:

• →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

• 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