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

Sterne Kessler • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is hiring Summer Associates for its Biotechnology & Chemical Group, focusing on chemical patent prosecution. The firm provides intellectual property services and helps chemical-industry clients develop IP strategies to increase shareholder value. Its chemical practice includes patenting new chemical entities, polymers and polymer processing technology, chemical synthesis, chemical formulations, and commercial and consumer applications of new materials, across fields such as analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, organic synthesis, pesticides and herbicides, and nanotechnology.

Summer Associates will work on matters involving emerging technologies developed by a broad range of individuals and companies. Work may involve all phases of patent practice, including preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation. The program includes relevant work assignments, an informal mid-point evaluation, a formal end-of-summer evaluation, workshops and trainings, and opportunities to learn about the firm's team structure. Summer Associates will also participate in social events with attorneys.

The 2027 program runs May 24–July 30, 2027, and the 2028 program runs May 22–July 28, 2028. Both programs are in person at the firm's Washington, DC office. Summer Associates are expected to work in the office three to four days per week, depending on trainings 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 enrolled as a part-time student. Applicants must be eligible for the patent bar and have an advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, pharmacology, or an equivalent discipline. Industry experience is preferred. The firm also seeks strong academic credentials and a clear interest in intellectual property and patent law, particularly patent prosecution.

Applicants must submit an online application with a resume, law and undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts if applicable), and a writing sample. A legal writing sample is preferred; otherwise, the sample should demonstrate technical or persuasive writing. The writing sample must include a cover page disclosing whether generative AI was used and, if so, the tools and extent of assistance, as well as whether a professor permitted or encouraged AI use if the sample was submitted as a class assignment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, and applicants must apply separately to each practice group of interest.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program and expected to graduate in May 2029, or May 2030 if currently a part-time student.
• Eligible for the patent bar.
• Advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, organic chemistry, pharmacology, or an equivalent discipline.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Clear interest in intellectual property and patent law, particularly patent prosecution.
• Submit a resume, law and undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts if applicable), and a writing sample with the required AI disclosure cover page.

Nice To Haves

• Industry experience is preferred.
• A legal writing sample is preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Compensation of $4,326 per week.
• Social events with attorneys, including events such as a firm-wide crab feast, DC sporting events, and city and museum tours.

What This Job Offers

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