Lateral Associate, Biotechnology or Chemical – 3rd to 5th Year

Location:

• Washington D.C. (hybrid)

Application requirements

Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. To submit a complete application please ensure the following documents are included:

• Resume
• Recent writing sample
• All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted)

About Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

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.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Role location:

• This role is based in our Washington D.C. office on a hybrid basis though remote candidates in the United States will still be considered. If youre hybrid in the Washington D.C. office you have flexibility to pick which days you work in the office.

About the Biotechnology & Chemical Group

Our Biotechnology & Chemical Group is known for its marketâleading depth in life sciences and chemical patent work and its close connection to cuttingâedge 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 handsâon experience shaping robust patent portfolios and defending them in highâstakes disputesmaking the group an ideal home for lawyers who want intellectually rigorous work and longâterm 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.
• Masters 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
• Previous wet lab experience preferred
• The ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and concisely

Preferred Skills

• 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

Working with Us

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 candidates overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.

Salary range:

• The good faith salary range for this role is $225000 to $285000 at a 1900 billable hour goal.

Billable hours: The firm has a flexible hours program under which an Associate can request a lower billable hour goal with a commensurate salary. Under the flexible hours program you may select a billable hour goal in the range of 1400 to 2000 hours. Associates at our firm primarily doing patent or trademark prosecution tend to select hour goals less than 2000 hours while attorneys primarily doing litigation and/or inter partes work are more likely to select hour goals of 2000 hours.

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

#LI-Hybrid OR #LI-Remote

Required Experience:

IC