Lateral Associate (1st year - 3rd year), Mechanical & Design Group

About the Associate Role

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Lateral Associate to join our Mechanical & Design Group. We are looking for attorneys with a strong technical background and experience or interest in design and utility patent prosecution who are excited to help clients protect innovative technologies and products.

Our Mechanical & Design Group is a close-knit team with a broad intellectual property practice, including the preparation and prosecution of utility patents, as well as trademark and copyright matters. As an Associate, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the creation, protection, monetization, and enforcement of our clients’ intellectual property rights.

What Sets Us Apart

• The resources and sophistication of a leading intellectual property law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization


• A collaborative and intellectually engaging environment where individual contributions are recognized


• Dedicated formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors and the opportunity to request a mentor change annually


• Opportunities to work with innovative clients and technologies while developing sophisticated design and utility patent prosecution experience


• A welcoming, inclusive culture that values collaboration, professional growth, and individuality

What You’ll Do

• Conduct comprehensive prior art searches to assess the novelty and non-obviousness of design and utility patent claims


• Assist clients in developing and managing design and utility patent portfolios


• Draft design patent applications focused on the aesthetic and ornamental aspects of products and components


• Draft utility patent applications addressing the novel and inventive functional aspects of mechanical technologies


• Prepare detailed patent specifications, including descriptions, drawings, and claims


• Respond to Patent Office actions and participate in patent prosecution to advance clients’ intellectual property objectives


• Stay current on developments in design and utility patent laws, regulations, and practices to help provide informed guidance to clients

What We’re Looking For

• J.D. and active license to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction


• Eligibility to waive into the District of Columbia Bar or willingness and eligibility to sit for the D.C. Bar examination


• USPTO registration number, or ability to sit for the exam


• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related field


• 1 to 3 years of experience in utility patent prosecution


• Strong academic credentials


• Excellent analytical, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills


• Intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset


• A desire to build on the comprehensive formal and informal training and mentoring provided by the firm

Location and Work Arrangement

• The Mechanical & Design Group prefers Associates to be based in the Washington, DC area or willing to relocate to the area


• Fully remote arrangements may be considered for the right candidate

Compensation and Benefits 

• Starting base salary range: $190,000 to $225,000


• Billable hour goal: 1,900 hours


• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an on-site Wellness Center, a 401(k) plan, relocation assistance, backup childcare, wellness programs, and firm-paid life and disability insurance


• Compensation philosophy: The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.