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

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 transcripts for all degrees (unofficial accepted)

• 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.

• The good faith salary range for this role is $260,000 to $365,000 at a 2000 hour billable 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.

• 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.

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.

• Technical background or experience working with complex technologies (e.g., EE, CS, life sciences)
• Judicial clerkship experience
• USPTO registration number desirable but not required