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

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. 

• 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 

• →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 

• 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 

• Exposure to PTAB litigation proceedings 
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field 

• 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.

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF labeled “FirstName LastName Application Materials:” 

• Resume 
• All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) 
• Recent writing sample. If you used generative AI in your writing sample, please include a cover page that includes details of how you used AI.  

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