1L Summer Associate Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship--Mechanical & Design Group (Prosecution)

1L Summer Associate Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship

Mechanical & Design Group (Prosecution)

About Sterne Kessler: 

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.

About the Fellowship:

Sterne Kessler is committed to embodying a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture. We are always looking for ways to add new talent to our firm from diverse backgrounds and experiences in order to foster an environment of inclusion and belonging. 

During this paid summer program, 1L Summer Associate Fellows will work alongside our attorneys and legal professionals to develop a stronger understanding of intellectual property law and law firm life. All Fellows will belong to one of the following groups: Biotechnology & Chemical, Electronics, Mechanical & Design, or Trial & Appellate. Fellows are paired with Sterne Kessler attorneys for mentoring. Fellows will work and train with our 2L Summer Associates through participation in an in-depth training program and hands-on legal work. In addition, Fellows will receive substantive feedback on their assignments, culminating in a formal review process with the possibility of receiving a return offer for a 2L summer position at the Firm. 1L Fellows will be compensated at the same rate as our Summer Associates: $43,260 for a 10-week program (prorated at $4,326 per week if the 1L Fellow is not able to attend the full 10-week program)

Requirements for Fellows in Mechanical & Design Group: 

• Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school.
• A strong interest in intellectual property law, working at a law firm, and patent prosecution.
• Ability to participate in the 10-week summer program from May 19, 2025 – July 25, 2025 in person in Washington, DC.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Material Science or Physics, or an equivalent discipline. Advanced degrees and/or industry experience preferred. Patent bar eligibility required.

Application Details: 

• All applications will be reviewed and interviews held on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. We encourage you to apply early.
• This posting closes on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 12:00 pm EST.

Your application should include the following:

1.  Personal Statement: Your personal statement should help us learn more about you, as a supplement to your impressive application materials. Please submit a 2-part personal statement (500-1000 words total) in lieu of a cover letter, which should include:

• 250-500 words sharing concrete examples of how you have demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity within your community or otherwise and/or faced and triumphed over adversity in your life or community.
• 250-500 words that reflect your interest in intellectual property law. You may choose to write about the importance of protecting innovation, or about your own journey with intellectual property law.

2. Resume

3. Transcripts: law, undergraduate, and graduate (if applicable). We accept unofficial transcripts.

For questions, please contact Heather Molina at hmolina@sternekessler.com or 202-772-8968.

Sterne Kessler is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications for the Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program from all eligible applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity / gender expression, disability status, or any other identity.