Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program (Entry-Level Legal Training)

Who are we?

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.

What is the Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program?

The Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training is our one-of-a-kind training program for Project Assistant positions on our Prosecution Support Services team which consists of Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments. Our program is a 8-weeks hands-on training program that includes classroom lectures and learning, hands-on practice, presentations from our own industry experts, and support from experienced mentors. This is a full-time role, and is not suited for college students who are looking for summer positions. The training runs in-person from July 6 to August 28.

We expect employees to be present and in-person for all 8 weeks with no vacation plans during the training barring any sickness and family emergencies. It is crucial for employees to be present in this classroom learning environment. After the training, Project Assistants are expected to be in the office at least 2-3 days per week depending on department need.

Where does the Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program lead?

Successful candidates can look forward to a full-time job as Prosecution Support Services Project Assistant supporting the Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments, and then eventually transitioning to a department. A successful Project Assistant proactively takes responsibility and ownership for work and projects assigned to them. This role is particularly suited for folks with some office or customer service experience that are interested in starting a career in legal support work focused on intellectual property . Some responsibilities after the training include:

Docketing

• Processing corrections/revisions of docket related information in firm databases and department records as instructed.
• Processing and docketing due dates for incoming correspondence related to U.S. and foreign matters as instructed and on a daily basis in accordance with department procedures and service level agreements.
• Updating docket based on docket clearing instructions received by email, daily docket, docket reports, or other methods, in accordance with department procedures.

Foreign Filing

• Preparing and reviewing correspondence to and from clients, foreign associates, WIPO, USPTO, and vendors regarding new applications, formal requirements, filing details, allowance and grant, maintenance, etc.
• Reviewing and profiling incoming emails from foreign associates.
• Assisting with obtaining certification/legalization of formal legal documents.

U.S. Patent Prosecution

• Preparing documents related to various phases of U.S. patent prosecution, including but not limited to formal documents, new applications, Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), checklists, and other documents needed to complete the U.S. patent prosecution process.
• Handling special client reporting and docket maintenance in accordance with standard firm and current client procedures.
• Proofreading legal documents for errors utilizing approved firm tools.

What will you bring to the role?

• Bachelor's degree or high school graduate with some college study
• Experience working in an office or customer service environment, where attention to detail, multitasking, and problem-solving were key to your success
• Superior analytical and organizational abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to receive and process constructive feedback
• Ability to follow and effectively execute instructions
• Work effectively under pressure
• Proven independent study habits
• Interest in beginning a career in intellectual property law with potential to grow. 3-4 years' commitment to the role with no law school or grad school plans in the near future.

The base salary for this position is $55,000 plus full benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k) participation after a month, pre-tax Metro and parking benefits, and many more.

To Apply


Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.