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

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox•Washington, DC

10d•$55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. offers an eight-week, hands-on Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program for Project Assistant positions on its Prosecution Support Services team, which includes Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution. Training includes classroom lectures and learning, hands-on practice, presentations from industry experts, and support from experienced mentors. The training runs in person from January 11 to March 5, and participants are expected to attend in person throughout all eight weeks without vacation plans, except for sickness or family emergencies. The role is full-time and is not suited to college students seeking part-time work. After training, Project Assistants are expected to work in the office at least two to three days per week, depending on department needs. Successful candidates can look forward to full-time work as a Prosecution Support Services Project Assistant supporting the Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments, with the possibility of eventually transitioning to a department. The role is suited to people with office or customer service experience who want to begin a career in legal support focused on intellectual property. Candidates are asked to commit to the role for three to four years and have no near-term plans for law school or graduate school. The firm describes itself as an intellectually stimulating, welcoming, and inclusive workplace. It is located in downtown Washington, D.C., near Metro access, restaurants, and shops. The base salary is $55,000, with benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) participation after one month, and pre-tax Metro and parking benefits. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or high school graduation with some college study.
Experience working in an office or customer service environment where attention to detail, multitasking, and problem-solving were important.
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.
Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Proven independent study habits.
Interest in starting a career in intellectual property law and potential to grow.
Commitment to the role for three to four years, with no near-term plans for law school or graduate school.
Ability to attend all eight weeks of in-person training, without vacation plans except for sickness or family emergencies.

Responsibilities

Process corrections and revisions of docket-related information in firm databases and department records as instructed.
Process and docket due dates for incoming correspondence related to U.S. and foreign matters daily, following department procedures and service level agreements.
Update docket based on docket-clearing instructions received by email, daily docket, docket reports, or other methods, following department procedures.
Prepare and review correspondence to and from clients, foreign associates, WIPO, USPTO, and vendors regarding applications, formal requirements, filing details, allowance and grant, maintenance, and related matters.
Review and profile incoming emails from foreign associates.
Assist with obtaining certification or legalization of formal legal documents.
Prepare documents related to phases of U.S. patent prosecution, including formal documents, new applications, Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), checklists, and other process documents.
Handle special client reporting and docket maintenance according to firm standards and current client procedures.
Proofread legal documents using approved firm tools.
Take responsibility and ownership for assigned work and projects.