What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026 Summer Associate -Trial & Appellate Group (Litigation) position at Sterne Kessler?
Who are we?
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms dedicated exclusively to the protection, transfer and enforcement of IP rights for its clients. Based in Washington, D.C., we are a full-service IP firm offering patent litigation, patent preparation and prosecution of design and utility patents, and trademark and brand protection. Our firm culture is what sets us apart in the industry. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual that contributes to our shared success. We have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance.
Sterne Kessler’s distinct approach integrates its trial skills and experience, technical depth, knowledge of patents, and leadership at the PTAB to win for clients in district courts and at the USITC. Over the last five years, we have been one of the most active firms at the USITC, been lead counsel in over 100 Federal Circuit Appeals, and been counsel in over 750 PTAB proceedings.
What does the Summer Program offer?
- The program will be held in-person in our Washington, DC office from May 18 – July 24, 2026. Summer Associates may work-from-home 1-2 days per week. Summer Associates are compensated at a rate of $4,326/week.
- Our summer associates work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by a broad range of innovative individuals and companies. The work involves all phases of patent practice, including preparation, prosecution, licensing, client counseling, and litigation.
- Your summer will include relevant work assignments, midpoint and end-of-summer evaluations, workshops/trainings, and exposure to our team structure, all designed to reflect what life is like for an attorney at Sterne Kessler.
- Our summers enjoy a number of social events which allow Summer Associates to get to know our attorneys on a personal level. Past events have included a firm-wide crab feast, DC sporting events, city and museum tours, and more.
What will you bring to the role?
- Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school with an expected graduation date in May 2027.
- STEM/technical undergraduate or advanced degrees are preferred.
- Stellar academic credentials.
- Obvious interest in IP and patent law, specifically in patent litigation.
To Apply: In the application process on the following pages, please upload your (1) resume, (2) a writing sample, (3) all academic transcripts (unofficial accepted for all degrees) and cover letter (optional, but helpful to provide additional context on your expertise and interest in our firm). Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm, we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. If you are unsure if your materials successfully uploaded, please email all your materials to recruiting@sternekessler.com.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the positions are filled. We encourage you to apply early. For questions, please contact Heather Molina at hmolina@sternekessler.com or 202-772-8968.
Salary : $4,326
