Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program; Entry-Level Legal Training

Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program (Entry-Level Legal Training)

Join to apply for the Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training Program (Entry-Level Legal Training) role at Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox.

The Patent Prosecution Fundamentals Training is our one-of-a-kind training program for Project Assistant positions on our Prosecution Support Services team which consists of Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments. The program is an 8‑week hands‑on training program that includes classroom lectures and learning, hands‑on practice, presentations from our own industry experts, and support from experienced mentors. The program runs in‑person from January 26, 2026 to March 20, 2026.

Employees are expected to be present all 8 weeks with no vacation plans barring sickness and family emergencies. After training, Project Assistants are expected to be in the office 2‑3 days per week depending on department need.

Successful candidates can look forward to a full‑time job as Prosecution Support Services Project Assistant supporting the Docketing, Foreign Filing, and U.S. Patent Prosecution departments, and then eventually transitioning to a department. A successful Project Assistant proactively takes responsibility and ownership for work and projects assigned to them. This role is particularly suited for folks with some office or customer service experience that are interested in starting a career in legal support work focused on intellectual property.

• Processing corrections/revisions of docket related information in firm databases and department records as instructed.
• Processing and docketing due dates for incoming correspondence related to U.S. and foreign matters as instructed and on a daily basis in accordance with department procedures and service level agreements.
• Updating docket based on docket clearing instructions received by email, daily docket, docket reports, or other methods, in accordance with department procedures.

• Preparing and reviewing correspondence to and from clients, foreign associates, WIPO, USPTO, and vendors regarding new applications, formal requirements, filing details, allowance and grant, maintenance, etc.
• Reviewing and profiling incoming emails from foreign associates.
• Assisting with obtaining certification/legalization of formal legal documents.

• Preparing documents related to various phases of U.S. patent prosecution, including but not limited to formal documents, new applications, IDSs, checklists, and other documents needed to complete the U.S. patent prosecution process.
• Handling special client reporting and docket maintenance in accordance with standard firm and current client procedures.
• Proofreading legal documents for errors utilizing approved firm tools.

• Bachelor’s degree or high school graduate with some college study
• Experience working in an office or customer service environment, where attention to detail, multitasking, and problem‑solving were key to your success
• Superior analytical and organizational abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to receive and process constructive feedback
• Ability to follow and effectively execute instructions
• Work effectively under pressure
• Proven independent study habits
• Interest in beginning a career in intellectual property law with potential to grow. 3‑4 years’ commitment to the role with no law school or grad school plans in the near future.

The base salary for this position is $52,500 plus full benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k) participation after a month, pre‑tax Metro and parking benefits, and many more.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

• Internship

• Full‑time

• Legal

• Law Practice

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