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Associate Patent Attorney Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Patent Litigation Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Their attorneys' depth of technical and scientific expertise, combined with the understanding of ... Our client is looking to add a Patent Litigation Associate to their team within One (1) to six (6) ...

NxT Level

Patent Litigation Associate

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$235K - $390K/yr

Their attorneys' depth of technical and scientific expertise, combined with the understanding of ... Our client is looking to add a Patent Litigation Associate to their team within One (1) to six (6) ...

NxT Level

Patent Litigation Associate

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$235K - $390K/yr

Their attorneys' depth of technical and scientific expertise, combined with the understanding of ... Our client is looking to add a Patent Litigation Associate to their team within One (1) to six (6) ...

Husch Blackwell Llp

Patent Agent

Washington, DC · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the ... The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ...

FBT Gibbons LLP

IP Patent Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

Correspond with foreign counsel and, under the guidance of the attorney, provide instructions ... Associates degree or Bachelor's degree with a major in paralegal studies, or * A Bachelor's degree ...

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All JobsAssociate Patent Attorney JobsAssociate Patent Attorney Jobs in Reston, VA

Associate Patent Attorney information

See Reston, VA salary details

$47.9K

$112.7K

$179.8K

How much do associate patent attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate patent attorney in Reston, VA is $112,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Patent Attorneys when working with inventors and technical teams?

Associate Patent Attorneys often navigate the challenge of translating complex technical concepts from inventors into clear, legally robust patent applications. Collaborating with technical teams requires strong communication skills to ensure that all inventive aspects are accurately captured and protected. Additionally, managing competing deadlines for multiple patent filings and responding to office actions from patent examiners can be demanding. Successfully balancing these responsibilities while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of patent laws is essential for career growth in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Patent Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Patent Attorney, you need a strong background in law and a relevant technical or scientific field, along with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and admission to the patent bar. Familiarity with patent management systems, prior art search databases, and intellectual property (IP) software is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for drafting precise patent applications, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting clients’ innovations.

What is the difference between Associate Patent Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectAssociate Patent AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), patent bar admission, law licenseTechnical degree (e.g., engineering, science), patent bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent officesPatent law firms, corporate R&D departments, patent offices
Roles & ResponsibilitiesDrafting patent applications, legal analysis, client counseling, patent prosecutionDrafting patent applications, patent prosecution, legal analysis (no law license required)

Associate Patent Attorneys typically hold a law degree and are licensed attorneys, allowing them to provide legal advice and represent clients in legal proceedings. Patent Agents, on the other hand, have technical degrees and pass the patent bar but are not licensed attorneys, focusing mainly on patent prosecution and drafting. Both roles are essential in patent law, but Associate Patent Attorneys can handle broader legal matters beyond patent prosecution.

What is an Associate Patent Attorney?

An Associate Patent Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in patent law, typically working under the supervision of more senior attorneys at a law firm or in-house legal department. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and prosecuting patent applications, conducting patentability and infringement analyses, and advising clients on intellectual property matters. They often hold a law degree and a technical or scientific background, enabling them to understand complex inventions. Associate Patent Attorneys work closely with inventors, examiners, and clients to secure and protect patent rights.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Attorney jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Patent Attorney jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Patent Attorney jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Patent Attorney job openings:
Associate Patent Attorney jobs near you
2027 Summer Associate- Biotechnology & Chemical Group (Biotechnology Patent Prosecution)

2027 Summer Associate- Biotechnology & Chemical Group (Biotechnology Patent Prosecution)

Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox

Washington, DC

$4.3K/wk

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Sterne Kessler: 

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms dedicated 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. Our firm culture is what sets us apart in the industry. It is the talent and dynamism of each individual that contributes to our shared success. We have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance.

Sterne Kessler’s team of attorneys and agents draft and prosecute patent applications related to biotechnology inventions. Our expertise includes patenting cutting-edge inventions and enabling improvements, including: diagnostics, genotyping & genomic profiling, CRISPR, PROTA, molecular and cell biology, and much more.

What to Expect:

  • We will review and consider applications from students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program expecting to graduate in May 2028 for our 2027 Summer Programs.
  • The 2027 Summer Program will be held in-person in our Washington, DC office from May 24 – July 30, 2027.
  • Summer associates may work-from-home 1-2 days per week.
  • Summer Associates are compensated at a rate of $4,326/week.
  • Our summer associates work on matters involving cutting-edge technologies developed by a broad range of innovative individuals and companies.
  • Your summer will include relevant work assignments, an informal mid-point and formal end-of-summer evaluation, workshops/trainings, and exposure to our team structure, all designed to reflect what life is like for an attorney at Sterne Kessler.
  • Our summers enjoy a number of social events, which allow summer associates to get to know our attorneys on a personal level. Past events have included our firm-wide crab feast, our firm-wide night at the Nationals, other DC sporting events, cooking classes, city and museum tours, and more.

To Apply:

To qualify for this Summer Associate position, you must be/have:

  • Currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school juris doctor program and expect to graduate in May 2028.
  • Patent bar eligible with an advanced degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, cellular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or equivalent discipline. Industry experience preferred.
  • Stellar academic credentials.
  • Obvious interest in intellectual property and patent law, specifically in patent prosecution.   

To complete your application, please complete our application online and upload the following documents:

  • Resume.
  • Transcripts: law, undergraduate, and graduate (if applicable). We accept unofficial transcripts.
  • Writing sample: Legal writing sample preferred. If you do not have a legal writing sample, please provide a writing sample that allows us to assess your technical or persuasive writing.   
  • Cover letter (optional, but helpful to provide additional context on your expertise and interest in our firm).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be accepted until the positions are filled. We encourage you to apply early. Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm, we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. If you are unsure if your materials successfully uploaded, please email all your materials to recruiting@sternekessler.com. 

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

Apply