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

Lawyers, Agents & Scientists • Washington, DC

3d • $190,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Lateral Associate to join its Mechanical & Design Group. The role is for an attorney with a strong technical background and experience or interest in design and utility patent prosecution, helping clients protect innovative technologies and products. The group has a broad intellectual property practice, including utility patent preparation and prosecution, trademark matters, and copyright matters. Associates contribute to the creation, protection, monetization, and enforcement of clients’ intellectual property rights.

The position offers work with innovative clients and technologies and the opportunity to develop sophisticated design and utility patent prosecution experience. The firm describes its environment as collaborative, intellectually engaging, inclusive, and supportive of professional growth. Formal mentoring includes two assigned mentors, with the opportunity to request a mentor change annually.

The group prefers Associates based in the Washington, DC area or willing to relocate there. Fully remote arrangements may be considered for the right candidate. The starting base salary range is $190,000 to $225,000, with a billable hour goal of 1,900 hours. Salary within the stated range depends on factors including relevant experience, education, and overall qualifications.

Requirements

• 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.
• Desire to build on the comprehensive formal and informal training and mentoring provided by the firm.

Nice To Haves

• Experience or interest in design and utility patent prosecution.
• Strong technical background.
• Based in the Washington, DC area or willing to relocate to the area; fully remote arrangements may be considered for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• On-site Wellness Center.
• 401(k) plan.
• Relocation assistance.
• Backup childcare.
• Wellness programs.
• Firm-paid life and disability insurance.
• Dedicated formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors and the opportunity to request a mentor change annually.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level