Class of 2029 Summer Associate- Mechanical & Design Group (Patent Prosecution)

Sterne Kessler • Washington, DC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking Summer Associates for its Mechanical & Design Group (Patent Prosecution). The firm provides comprehensive intellectual property services and emphasizes a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually engaging environment. The Mechanical & Design Group uses utility and design patents, trade dress, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyright to protect mechanical innovation and assess freedom to operate.

Summer Associates join a practice group and work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by innovative individuals and companies. Work may involve all phases of patent practice, including preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation. The summer program includes relevant work assignments, an informal midpoint evaluation, a formal end-of-summer evaluation, workshops and training, and exposure to the firm's team structure, as well as social events with attorneys.

The 2027 program runs May 24 through July 30, 2027, and the 2028 program runs May 22 through July 28, 2028. Both programs are in person at the firm's Washington, DC office. Summer Associates generally work in the office three to four days per week, depending on training and social events, and may work from home one to two days per week. Compensation is $4,326 per week.

Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited JD program and expect to graduate in May 2029, or May 2030 if currently a part-time student. Applicants must be eligible for the patent bar or design patent bar and have a bachelor's degree in a specified technical or design discipline or an equivalent discipline. Advanced degrees and industry experience are preferred. The firm also seeks strong academic credentials and a clear interest in intellectual property and patent law, particularly patent prosecution.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school JD program and expecting to graduate in May 2029, or May 2030 if currently a part-time student.
• Eligible for the patent bar or design patent bar.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Industrial Design, Product Design, Architecture, Applied Arts, Graphic Design, Fine/Studio Arts, or an equivalent discipline.
• Stellar academic credentials.
• Obvious interest in intellectual property and patent law, specifically patent prosecution.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degrees.
• Industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by innovative individuals and companies.
• Contribute to work across phases of patent practice, including preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation.
• Complete relevant work assignments and participate in workshops and training.
• Participate in an informal midpoint evaluation and a formal end-of-summer evaluation.

What This Job Offers

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