Class of 2029 Summer Associate- Biotechnology & Chemical Group (Chemical Patent Prosecution)

Lawyers, Agents & Scientists • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is hiring Summer Associates for its Biotechnology & Chemical Group, with a focus on Chemical Patent Prosecution. The firm considers students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school J.D. program who expect to graduate in May 2029, or May 2030 if they are current part-time students, for its 2027 and 2028 Summer Programs.

The Biotechnology & Chemical Group helps clients in the chemical industry develop intellectual property strategies to increase shareholder value. Its work includes patenting new chemical entities, polymers and polymer-processing technologies, chemical synthesis, formulations, and new-material applications. The group drafts U.S. and foreign patent applications with commercial products and investors in mind, across industries such as analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, organic synthesis, pesticides and herbicides, and nanotechnology.

The summer programs are in-person at the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. The 2027 program runs May 24–July 30, 2027, and the 2028 program runs May 22–July 28, 2028. Summer Associates generally work from the office 3–4 days per week and may work from home 1–2 days per week. Associates receive relevant work assignments and take part in midpoint and end-of-summer evaluations, workshops and training, and activities introducing them to the firm’s team structure and attorney work. The program also includes social events with attorneys. Compensation is $4,326 per week.

Applicants must apply online and submit a resume, law and undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts if applicable; unofficial transcripts are accepted), and a writing sample. Legal writing samples are preferred; otherwise, applicants may submit a sample demonstrating technical or persuasive writing. A cover page for the writing sample must disclose whether generative AI was used and, if so, the tools and extent of assistance; for class assignments, it must also state whether the professor allowed or encouraged AI use. Applicants must apply separately to each practice group of interest. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program and expecting to graduate in May 2029, or May 2030 if currently a part-time student.
• Patent bar eligible.
• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, pharmacology, or an equivalent discipline.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Demonstrated interest in intellectual property and patent law, specifically patent prosecution.

Nice To Haves

• Industry experience.
• Legal writing sample.

Responsibilities

• Work on matters involving emerging technologies developed by innovative individuals and companies.
• Participate in phases of patent practice, including patent preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation.
• Complete relevant work assignments and participate in workshops and training.
• Participate in midpoint and end-of-summer evaluations and gain exposure to the firm’s team structure.

What This Job Offers

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