Lateral Associate, Biotechnology or Chemical – 3rd to 5th Year
About the position 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 that possible. With that in mind, 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. Our Biotechnology & Chemical Group is known for its market‑leading depth in life sciences and chemical patent work and its close connection to cutting‑edge innovation. The group handles sophisticated patent prosecution, PTAB proceedings, and strategic counseling for technologies spanning biotech, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and materials science, allowing associates to work at the intersection of science, law, and business. With a collaborative culture, strong mentorship, and early responsibility on complex matters, associates gain hands‑on experience shaping robust patent portfolios and defending them in high‑stakes disputes—making the group an ideal home for lawyers who want intellectually rigorous work and long‑term professional growth in a premier IP practice.
Requirements
- JD and actively licensed as an attorney in a U.S. jurisdiction. Must be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or be willing and eligible to sit for the D.C. bar exam.
- Master’s degree focused on molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, human genetics, antibodies, immunology, or related scientific discipline
- 3-5 years practicing patent prosecution at another law firm
- USPTO registration number
- A strong foundation in IP and patent law
- The ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and concisely
Nice-to-haves
- PhD preferred, with focus on focused on molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, human genetics, antibodies, immunology, or related scientific discipline
- Previous wet lab experience
- Stellar academic credentials
- Previous wet lab experience preferred
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit
- On-site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office
- Staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, offers firm employees and other qualified family members with a range of medical services
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care
- Wellness program
- Firm-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Firm-paid short and long term disability insurance
- Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long term disability insurance, long term care insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Transportation commuter benefit program
- Back-up childcare and family support
- Pet insurance discount
- Employee Assistance Program services
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