Lateral Associate, Electronics Patent Prosecution and/or PTAB Litigation - 2nd to 5th Year

Sterne Kessler is seeking a second- to fifth-year lateral Associate to join our Electronics Group in Washington, DC. This role is open to attorneys focused on electronics patent prosecution, PTAB litigation, or a combination of both. The ideal candidate will have experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving electrical and computer engineering technologies, including semiconductors, wireless communications, and hardware. Candidates with exposure to PTAB proceedings are also encouraged to apply. What You'll Do • Draft and prosecute utility patent applications, including specifications, claims, and figures • Analyze USPTO Office Actions and prepare persuasive responses and amendments addressing novelty and non-obviousness rejections • Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, case law, and USPTO rules to develop legal strategies and arguments • Interview inventors and engineers to understand inventions, technical disclosures, and relevant prior art • Manage domestic and international patent portfolios and monitor prosecution deadlines • Communicate clearly and responsively with internal teams and, as experience develops, external clients under Director supervision • Depending on experience, support PTAB litigation proceedings What We're Looking For Minimum Qualifications • JD from an ABA-accredited law school • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field • USPTO registration • Two to five years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, primarily involving electrical and computer engineering technologies such as semiconductors, wireless communications, and hardware • Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills • Ability to manage assignments and deadlines while providing timely, responsive service Preferred Qualifications • Exposure to PTAB litigation proceedings • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field Location and Work Arrangement • Hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with flexible in-office scheduling and a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates. • Fully remote candidates considered; travel to Washington, DC 1-2 times per month during the first year expected. Firm assists with travel costs. Compensation & Benefits • Salary Range: $200,000-$285,000 at a 1,900 billable hour goal or $235,000-$365,000 at a 2,000 billable hour goal, based on experience, education, and overall qualifications • Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; virtual care services; an on-site Wellness Center; flexible spending accounts; a 401(k) plan; commuter benefits; backup childcare and family support; wellness and employee assistance programs; and firm-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance • Compensation philosophy: 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. How to Apply Please submit the following materials as a single PDF labeled "FirstName LastName Application Materials:" • Resume • All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) • Recent writing sample. If you used generative AI in your writing sample, please include a cover page that includes details of how you used AI.