Design Paralegal

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 this possible. Accordingly, 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 do we need?

We are looking for an early-career candidate to join the Mechanical & Design Practice Group as a Design Paralegal. Paralegals in our Mechanical & Design Practice Group primarily support prosecution of design patents, which protect the ornamental appearance of an item. A Design Paralegal is expected to work independently on prosecution matters, while also working collaboratively with timekeepers and others supporting prosecution matters. A key component of this position is to provide specialized support by ensuring compliance with client and firm policies and procedures and helping to achieve client satisfaction. We need candidates who are eager to learn about intellectual property law and who enjoy detail-oriented and deadline-driven work. Design Paralegals should be local to the DC metro area or willing to relocate. This is a hybrid role that requires in-office presence 2-3 days per week.

How will you make an impact?

• Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of USPTO rules, firm procedures and policies, and established client guidelines to determine necessary action to be taken in design patent applications in response to docketed deadlines and incoming correspondence.
• Timely completing assigned tasks, and/or creating and proactively monitoring projects and tasks to ensure compliance with firm and/or client Service Level Agreements.
• Exercising excellent attention to detail, professional judgment, and initiative in following firm second-eye policies when communicating with clients and preparing responsive documents to assure timeliness and that work product consistently meets the highest levels of quality.
• Assisting and supporting attorneys and patent agents who are ultimately responsible for the legal patent services being provided to clients.
• Demonstrating ownership of assigned matters, working collaboratively with others when needed, and working independently with little needed supervision at other times.
• Proactively performing tasks required to effect the filing or prosecution of a patent application. Examples of prosecution-related tasks to be handled by Design Paralegals include:
• Managing a docket of deadlines related to patent application filing, prosecution, issuance, post-grant and maintenance (including maintaining a personal docket, monitoring the firm’s daily docket, and reviewing incoming correspondence for their assigned cases).
• Assisting with the preparation and filing of design patent applications, amendments, and Office Action replies, including proofing and editing of the same.
• Preparing information disclosure statements (IDS’s) and other documents traditionally prepared by paralegals.
• Assisting timekeepers in communicating with clients and foreign associates regarding substantive prosecution tasks not handled by the Foreign Filing Department.
• Coordinating and communicating with outside vendors, as required, in the preparation of patent drawings and IDS’s, for example.
• Practicing good time management, being available to work on an overtime basis as necessary, and meeting any assigned billable hour goals.
• Handling firm and client confidential information and personal documents discreetly, not disclosing any firm or client confidential information to any third party.

What will you bring to the role?

• Strong academic credentials and a design or STEM-related degree preferred. Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Graphic Design/Design are a plus, but not required.
• Some office experience preferred.
• 1-2 years of legal or IP experience is a nice to have. 
• Interest in a minimum 2-year commitment to the position.
• High level of attention to detail and customer-service oriented. 
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment and ability to work efficiently under pressure in a productive and professional manner.

The good faith base salary range for this position is $57,500 to $65,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm.

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. 

Salary : $57,500 - $65,000