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Entry Level Ip Attorney Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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Entry Level Ip Attorney information

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$64.6K

$206K

$298.8K

How much do entry level ip attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ip attorney in Silver Spring, MD is $206,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $161,800.00 and $264,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level IP attorney?

An Entry Level IP Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in intellectual property (IP) law, typically assisting with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They often work under the supervision of senior attorneys to conduct legal research, draft filings, review contracts, and help clients protect their intellectual assets. This role is common in law firms, corporations, or government agencies, and requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree along with bar admission. Some positions may also require a technical background in fields like engineering or biotechnology for patent-related work.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level IP attorney in their first year?

As an Entry Level IP Attorney, your primary responsibilities during your initial year often include drafting and filing patent or trademark applications, conducting prior art and trademark searches, and performing legal research related to intellectual property issues. You'll likely assist senior attorneys with litigation prep, respond to office actions from the USPTO, and communicate directly with clients regarding ongoing matters. Collaboration is key; you'll work closely with inventors, clients, and colleagues in both legal and technical roles to ensure accurate document preparation and effective legal protection. These tasks allow you to develop crucial skills and gain firsthand experience that lays the foundation for a successful IP law career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level IP attorney position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level IP Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid understanding of intellectual property law including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and, for patent law, registration with the USPTO may be required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills will distinguish you in this position. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing client needs, preparing legal documents, and contributing to effective legal strategies in a highly specialized field.

How to get experience in entry level IP attorney?

Entry level IP attorneys typically gain experience through internships, clerkships, or summer associate programs focused on intellectual property law. Developing skills in patent and trademark law, as well as familiarity with legal research tools like LexisNexis or Westlaw, can enhance prospects. Pursuing a relevant law degree and passing the patent bar exam can also improve job readiness.

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For Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Entry Level Ip Attorney job openings:

Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ip Attorney job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $206,038 per year, or $99.1 per hour.

Design Patent Assistant (Entry-Level)

Staff | Sterne Kessler

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

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 this possible. Accordingly, 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 motivated entry-level candidates to join our firm as a Design Assistant in our Mechanical & Design group. Successful Design Assistants love to dive into details and enthusiastically perform administrative duties. Design Assistants should be willing to work hybrid schedules from the DC metro area.

How will you make an impact?

  • Maintaining an in-depth knowledge of USPTO rules, firm procedures and policies, and established client guidelines to determine necessary action to be taken in design patent applications in response to docketed deadlines and incoming correspondence.

  • Timely complete assigned tasks, and/or to create and proactively monitor projects and tasks to ensure compliance with firm and/or client Service Level Agreements.

  • Exercising excellent attention to detail, professional judgment, and initiative in following firm second-eye policies when communicating with clients and preparing responsive documents to assure timeliness and that work product consistently meets the highest levels of quality.

  • Assisting and supporting attorneys, patent agents, and Design Paralegals who are ultimately responsible for the legal patent services being provided to clients.

  • Demonstrating ownership of assigned matters, working collaboratively with others when needed, and working at other times independently with little needed supervision.

  • Handling electronic filings of documents with the USPTO, including assisting with the preparation and filing of patent applications, amendments, briefs, pleadings, petitions, memoranda, and other correspondence, including formatting, proofing, and editing of same.

  • Preparing checklists, formal documents, cover letters, USPTO forms, information disclosure statements (IDS’s), and other documents traditionally prepared by patent secretaries.

  • Reviewing and reporting to the client all correspondence received from the USPTO.

What will you bring to the role?

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
  • Some office, law firm, and/or IP experience is preferred. 
  • Art and/or design experience a plus, but not required. 
  • Ability to work in a highly detail-oriented and deadline-driven environment. 
  • Computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office and other software. 
  • Stellar verbal and written communication skills.
  • Interest in a minimum 2-year commitment to the position.

The base salary for this position is $55,000.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

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

Apply