What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trademark Paralegal (Open to entry-level) position at Sterne Kessler?
Who are we?
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.
What do we need?
We are looking for a Trademark Paralegal to join our existing Trademark practice. We are seeking Paralegals with 1-2 years of law firm and/or Trademark experience, but are willing to train an entry-level candidate who is interested in learning Trademark prosecution and litigation. We are looking for a candidate that can join us in the next month so the role is not appropriate for candidates with a Spring 2026 graduation date. Trademark Paralegals should be willing to work hybrid schedules from the D.C. metro area.
How will you make an impact?
- Providing legal assistance to assigned timekeepers in all areas of trademark prosecution, maintenance, enforcement, and litigation.
- Developing and maintaining a current knowledge of U.S. and foreign rules and filing procedures, as well as SKGF firm procedures.
- Preparing and sending correspondence regarding foreign trademark application prosecution, and litigation to foreign counsel.
- Managing assigned client trademark portfolios; monitoring and assisting with all aspects of U.S. and foreign trademark application prosecution, maintenance, enforcement, and litigation.
- Organizing and maintaining trademark prosecution, maintenance, enforcement, litigation, opposition, and cancellation dockets and files relating to the same.
- Preparing and submitting filings with the USPTO.
- Performing trademark searches using USPTO, foreign, and third-party databases. Performing preliminary analysis of trademark search results.
- Preparing client status reports.
- And more.
What will you bring to the role?
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Some office experience preferred.
- 1-2 years of legal or IP experience is a nice to have.
- High attention to detail and an interest in detail-oriented work.
- Excellent self-direction and self-management of workload, projects, and daily tasks.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work well in both independent and team-based environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel.
- Interest in a minimum 2-year commitment to the position.
The good faith base salary range for this position is $57,500 to $65,000 per year. 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.
To Apply
Please include a resume and cover letter in your application materials.
Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Salary : $57,500 - $65,000