Class of 2029 Summer Associate- Mechanical & Design Group (Patent Prosecution)
About The Position
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is hiring Summer Associates for its Mechanical & Design Group (Patent Prosecution). The firm provides intellectual property services and uses utility and design patents, trade dress, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyright to protect mechanical innovation and assess whether new products have freedom to operate in the market. Summer Associates belong to one of the firm’s practice groups and work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by a broad range of innovators and companies. Work may involve all phases of patent practice, including preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation. The 2027 Summer Program runs May 24–July 30, 2027, and the 2028 Summer Program runs May 22–July 28, 2028. Both programs are in person at the firm’s Washington, DC office. Summer Associates generally work from 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. The program includes relevant work assignments, an informal midpoint evaluation, a formal end-of-summer evaluation, workshops and trainings, and exposure to the firm’s team structure, as well as social events. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited JD program and expect to graduate in May 2029, or May 2030 if currently enrolled part-time. Applicants must be eligible for the patent bar or design patent bar and have a bachelor’s degree in a specified or equivalent discipline. Advanced degrees and/or industry experience are preferred. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until positions are filled.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program, 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.
- 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. Include a cover page disclosing any generative AI use and, if applicable, whether the professor allowed or encouraged that use for a class assignment.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degrees and/or industry experience.
- Legal writing sample.
Responsibilities
- Work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by a broad range of individuals and companies.
- Contribute to work across phases of patent practice, including preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation.
- Participate in relevant work assignments, workshops and trainings, and program evaluations.
Benefits
- Compensation of $4,326 per week.
- Social events, including past firm-wide crab feasts, DC sporting events, and city and museum tours.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
