Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program (Entry-Level Legal Training)

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox • Washington, DC

298d • $52,500

About The Position

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is a highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firm, recognized as a great place to work. The Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program is an 8-week hands-on training program for Project Assistant positions on the Prosecution Support Services team, which includes Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments. The program runs in-person from May 12th to July 3rd and requires full attendance. Successful candidates will transition to a full-time role as Prosecution Support Services Project Assistant, taking on responsibilities in various departments related to patent prosecution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or high school graduate with some college study.
• Experience working in an office or customer service environment, where attention to detail, multitasking, and problem-solving were key to your success.
• Superior analytical and organizational abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to receive and process constructive feedback.
• Ability to follow and effectively execute instructions.
• Work effectively under pressure.
• Proven independent study habits.
• Interest in beginning a career in intellectual property law with potential to grow.

Nice To Haves

• 3-4 years' commitment to the role with no law school or grad school plans in the near future.

Responsibilities

• Processing corrections/revisions of docket related information in firm databases and department records as instructed.
• Processing and docketing due dates for incoming correspondence related to U.S. and foreign matters as instructed and on a daily basis in accordance with department procedures and service level agreements.
• Updating docket based on docket clearing instructions received by email, daily docket, docket reports, or other methods, in accordance with department procedures.
• Preparing and reviewing correspondence to and from clients, foreign associates, WIPO, USPTO, and vendors regarding new applications, formal requirements, filing details, allowance and grant, maintenance, etc.
• Reviewing and profiling incoming emails from foreign associates.
• Assisting with obtaining certification/legalization of formal legal documents.
• Preparing documents related to various phases of U.S. patent prosecution, including but not limited to formal documents, new applications, Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), checklists, and other documents needed to complete the U.S. patent prosecution process.
• Handling special client reporting and docket maintenance in accordance with standard firm and current client procedures.
• Proofreading legal documents for errors utilizing approved firm tools.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) participation after a month
• Pre-tax Metro and parking benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree