Associate

Job Category : Lawyers, Agents, and Scientists Requisition Number : ASSOC001709 Posted : May 21, 2026 Employment Type : Full‑time Schedule : Hybrid Locations Washington DC, Washington, D.C., 1101 K St NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, USA Responsibilities Responsible for Mechanical Engineering patent prosecution and other proceedings before USPTO and other bodies. Assess novelty and non‑obviousness of utility of design patent claims. Conduct invention disclosure meetings with inventors and develop patent strategies and portfolios. Prepare detailed patent applications, legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and patentability opinions. Conduct legal research and work on litigation matters; execute literature and document review. Communicate with client contacts and inventors, conduct comprehensive prior art searches. Analyze and draft licenses and agreements, assist in strategy and briefing before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Assist in mentoring junior staff. Requirements JD in Law and Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field. At least 6 months of experience in Mechanical Engineering design/Intellectual Property law. Experience assisting with ME patent preparation or litigation/prosecution. Must hold DC law license or any U.S. state license and must be eligible to sit for the D.C. Bar. Hybrid role. Salary range : $190,000 to $285,000 at a 1,900 billable hour goal. Billable hours program : Associates may select a billable hour goal in the range of 1,400 to 2,000 hours. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans and virtual care services. On-site Wellness Center with a Nurse Practitioner. Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care. Wellness program. Firm‑paid life insurance and accidental death & supplemental disability coverage. Firm‑paid short and long‑term disability insurance. Supplemental life insurance, supplemental AD&D, long‑term disability insurance and long‑term care insurance. 401(k) retirement savings plan. Back‑up childcare and family support. Employee Assistance Program services. Travel Required No. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sterne Kessler