Lateral Associate, Electronics Patent Prosecution and/or PTAB Litigation - 2nd to 5th year

Application Requirements Resume, all transcripts (unofficial copies accepted), recent writing sample. About the Firm Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro‑accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops. Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Location Washington, D.C. (hybrid) Responsibilities Patent Application Drafting: Prepare and file original utility and design patent applications, drafting detailed specifications, claims, and figures based on inventor disclosures and technical documentation. Office Action Responses: Analyze USPTO Office Actions, formulate strategic arguments to overcome rejections based on novelty and non‑obviousness, and draft persuasive responses and amendments. Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis of statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative decisions (e.g., USPTO rules) to develop sound legal strategies and arguments. Client Management and Communication: Maintain regular, clear, and professional communication with internal clients; provide timely updates, gather necessary information, and respond to Director and senior Associate assignments and ad hoc requests. Over time, Associates may be tasked with external client communication under supervision of Directors. Inventor Interviews: Interface directly with inventors and engineers to elicit invention details, understand the prior art landscape, and secure necessary information for application preparation. Portfolio Management: Manage and monitor the prosecution dockets for a designated portfolio of domestic and international patent applications. Qualifications BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field of study. JD from an ABA‑accredited institution. USPTO registration number. Minimum 2 years of experience with patent preparation and prosecution, primarily in the Electrical and Computer Engineering spaces including semiconductor, wireless communications, and hardware technologies. Preferred Skills Some exposure to PTAB litigation proceedings. MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, or related field of study. Compensation and Billable Hours The salary range for this role is $200,000 to $285,000 at a 1,900 billable hour goal or $235,000 to $365,000 at a 2,000 hour billable goal. Associates can request a flexible billable hour goal within 1,400 to 2,000 hours with a commensurate salary. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit. On‑site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, offering a range of medical services to firm employees and qualified family members. Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care. Wellness program. Firm‑paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Firm‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance. Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long‑term disability insurance, long‑term care insurance. 401(k) retirement savings plan. Transportation commuter benefit program. Back‑up childcare and family support. Pet insurance discount. Employee Assistance Program services. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox