Our teams include scientists and engineers that work as technical specialists in a diverse and vibrant culture unlike any other.
The world’s most innovative companies trust Sterne Kessler with their most complex intellectual property matters. We are passionate about the practice of IP law, and committed to our clients and our culture. As a technical specialist, you will have the opportunity to work on highly technical IP matters, joining a team of IP professionals with more than 100 advanced degrees, including 60+ Ph.D.s., across several technology areas such as biology, electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, amongst others. At Sterne Kessler, every day is a new opportunity to help shape innovation for companies at the cutting edge of science and technology.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we offer unmatched training and development opportunities in an inclusive, collaborative environment. You will work with and be trained by lawyers who have directly influenced patent law, and you will have the opportunity to forge a long-term career at a firm that values you as an individual.
If Sterne Kessler sounds like the place for you, explore our current openings.
The Sterne Kessler Experience
We’re not your average IP firm. We are passionate about IP and are highly sought-out for our expertise as thought leaders and strategic advisors. We are committed to developing a team that strives for excellence, both in the quality of work and client service.
Technical specialists join Sterne Kessler because we offer the opportunity to work on patent matters in the technologies that are shaping innovation today. Our high-value IP work and sophisticated client base require technical expertise. You will assist in the procurement of patents, both domestic and international. No experience in IP law is needed, and we teach our team members everything they need to know. Through direct mentorship and training from leading patent lawyers, our technical specialists are able to apply their scientific and research experience to help us achieve the most favorable outcomes for our clients. We also offer flexible, long-term career paths that allow for growth and transition as your individual needs and goals evolve.
Many of our technical specialists prepare to be admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and become patent agents. And for those who have an interest in becoming lawyers, we offer a law school tuition program for qualified individuals to attend law school while working full-time with the firm.
Our Cutting-Edge Clients
Sterne Kessler works with some of the most innovative companies in the world across a wide range of industries. Our clients are making discoveries, building brands, and creating inventions that impact our daily lives. If working with companies like 23andMe, AstraZeneca, BioNTech, Thule, SAP, and Volkswagen—to name a few—sounds interesting, you’ve come to the right place.
Benefits & Wellness
Sterne Kessler is proud to offer its employees a comprehensive, industry-leading package of high-quality benefits. From healthcare coverage to retirement investments and family leave, our focus is to support the health and well-being of our team and their families.
Training & Professional Development
At Sterne Kessler, you never stop learning. We have training programs for all levels, and our course roster is always evolving to keep up with legal and technical developments. This ensures our technology specialists have a robust menu of training content to support them as they learn and cultivate their specialties. Technical specialists are also offered billable credit for training during their first two years with the firm.
In addition to being assigned formal advisors, technical specialists have access to all the resources and training available across the firm, such as:
Junior Patent Prosecution Training Series: An introduction to Patent Prosecution, 26-course learning path that includes:
- Application Drafting
- Prior Art Searching
- Replying to Office Actions
- Foreign Prosecution
- Allowance to Grant
- Freedom to Operate
- Opinion Writing
- Interviewing with Examiners
Specialty Learning Paths/Programs
We offer specialized training programs that include:
- Biotech Patent Law – a 6-month course taught by Founding Director, Jorge Goldstein
- Patent Law Small Group Discussion series with Senior Directors
- Professional Skills – a series of courses covering oral presentation skills, legal and professional writing, time management, and leadership development
- Roundtables – monthly continuing education programs in patent prosecution and PTAB practices
- Patent Quarterly (PQ) Meetings (Biotech and Electronics) – regular industry-focused continuing education programs
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.
Find out what life is like for technical specialists at Sterne Kessler
We've been voted "Top Workplace" in the Washington Post and "Best Place to Work" in the Washington Business Journal. Learn more about our technical specialist opportunities, and determine if Sterne Kessler is a good long-term fit for you.
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