Lawyers, Agents & Scientists

We’re not your average IP law firm. Sterne Kessler practitioners include patent and trademark prosecutors, litigators and appellate attorneys, as well as scientists and engineers working as patent agents and technical specialists in a diverse and vibrant culture unlike any other. See our opportunities!

Our collaborative teams are engaged in a wide range of IP matters, from prosecuting patents and trademarks at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to handling post-grant proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to enforcing and protecting IP rights for our clients in high-stakes litigation in district and appellate courts, as well as before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). We pull teams together with the goal of having the right individuals around the table — those that have the most relevant experience and background related to the technology and the legal issues in play.

Technical Minds

Our high-value IP work and sophisticated client base require technical expertise. All attorneys, patent agents, technical specialists and summer associates in our patent prosecution practice are, or are preparing to be, admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Most have an advanced degree, industry experience, or experience as examiners at the USPTO. Many of our litigators have technical backgrounds as well.

Legal Muscle

Building on the solid foundation of prosecuting strong patents, our team of IP litigators flex their legal muscles handling litigation for some of the most dynamic and innovative companies and individuals nationally and internationally. Every day, our teams are successfully representing clients in patent disputes in venues across the country, including U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and at the U.S. International Trade Commission.

How about law school – on us?
For our patent agents and technical specialists who have an interest in becoming lawyers, we have a law school tuition program for qualified individuals to attend law school while working full-time with the firm covering tuition costs. We appreciate great talent and think this is a great investment for both the individual and the firm.

Flexible Career Paths

Our skilled lawyers, agents and specialists come from all walks of life; more than 60 have Ph.D.s and they speak over 20 languages. We encourage cross-pollination among patent and trademark drafters, prosecutors and litigators, and we support a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible career paths that allow for growth and transition as each individual's needs and goals evolve.

Feedback From Our Associates

Our associates participate in annual, anonymous surveys administered by The Vault and Chambers Associate, and they consistently give the firm high marks for work-life balance, culture, quality of work, training and diversity. We believe those aspects of work-life are important, and we strive to maintain an environment where our attorneys can thrive. Learn more about what our associates think about working at Sterne Kessler by viewing our Vault (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020) and Chambers Associate profiles.

A Dynamic, Award-Winning Team

We're not ones to toot our own horns, but we certainly appreciate the recognition we receive year after year based on market research and feedback from our clients. Sterne Kessler has consecutively received the highest possible ranking of Band 1 in patent prosecution from respected publisher Chambers & Partners for over a dozen years. Similarly, the firm and individual directors are consistently rated among the best of the best by market-leading IP publishers Intellectual Asset Management and Managing Intellectual Property among others. Learn more about our awards and recognitions!

Applicants who need assistance submitting an application for employment to Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox PLLC, may contact us at 1.202.371.2600, or through our TTY line at 1.202.772.8948, or at recruiting2@sternekessler.com (legal positions) or employment@sternekessler.com (administrative positions). It is our policy to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities with advance notice of need. Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer.