Lateral Associate (1st year - 3rd year), Mechanical & Design Group

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Lateral Associate to join our Mechanical & Design Group. We are looking for attorneys with a strong technical background and experience or interest in design and utility patent prosecution who are excited to help clients protect innovative technologies and products.

Our Mechanical & Design Group is a close-knit team with a broad intellectual property practice, including the preparation and prosecution of utility patents, as well as trademark and copyright matters. As an Associate, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the creation, protection, monetization, and enforcement of our clients’ intellectual property rights.

• The resources and sophistication of a leading intellectual property law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
• A collaborative and intellectually engaging environment where individual contributions are recognized
• Dedicated formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors and the opportunity to request a mentor change annually
• Opportunities to work with innovative clients and technologies while developing sophisticated design and utility patent prosecution experience
• A welcoming, inclusive culture that values collaboration, professional growth, and individuality

• →Conduct comprehensive prior art searches to assess the novelty and non-obviousness of design and utility patent claims
• →Assist clients in developing and managing design and utility patent portfolios
• →Draft design patent applications focused on the aesthetic and ornamental aspects of products and components
• →Draft utility patent applications addressing the novel and inventive functional aspects of mechanical technologies
• →Prepare detailed patent specifications, including descriptions, drawings, and claims
• →Respond to Patent Office actions and participate in patent prosecution to advance clients’ intellectual property objectives
• →Stay current on developments in design and utility patent laws, regulations, and practices to help provide informed guidance to clients

• J.D. and active license to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction
• Eligibility to waive into the District of Columbia Bar or willingness and eligibility to sit for the D.C. Bar examination
• USPTO registration number, or ability to sit for the exam
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• 1 to 3 years of experience in utility patent prosecution
• Strong academic credentials
• Excellent analytical, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset
• A desire to build on the comprehensive formal and informal training and mentoring provided by the firm

• The Mechanical & Design Group prefers Associates to be based in the Washington, DC area or willing to relocate to the area
• Fully remote arrangements may be considered for the right candidate

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