Summer Program Stats
No. of Summer Associates (2026): 10 total (8 2Ls; 2 1Ls)
No. of 2L Offers (2025): 8 out of 10
Summer Associate Salary:
Summer Associate: $4,326 weekly
Summer Program Length:
10 weeks
Summer Program Contact
Heather Molina
Senior Specialist, Legal Recruiting
(202) 772-8968
hmolina@sternekessler.com
1L Summers: Yes
Assigned to Specific Practice Area: Yes
Split Summer with Another Firm: Case by Case. only for returning 2L associates
Split Summer with Another Office: N/A
When Does Firm Begin Accepting Resumes for Summer Program: October 2026
Offices with a Summer Program
- Washington, DC
Schools Firm Visits for OCI
- BYU Law School
- Columbia Law School
- Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law)
- Cornell Law School
- Duke University School of Law
- Emory University School of Law
- George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
- Georgetown Law
- George Washington University Law School
- Harvard Law School
- Howard University School of Law
- Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
- NYU Law
- Temple University Beasley School of Law
- Texas A&M University School of Law
- UNC School of Law
- University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
- University of Michigan Law School
- University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law
- University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- University of Virginia School of Law
Career Fairs Attended
- Loyola Patent Law Interview Program
Our Survey Says
● “Sterne Kessler's summer associate program provided excellent preparation for the rigors of firm life. My transition into full-time work as an associate was smooth and seamless thanks to the connections I made during the summer.”
● “Real work projects during the summer really got me integrated with the team, and that helped me a lot when I started as an associate.”
● “Robust training program, substantive work, and close mentoring relationships with senior associates and partners.”
● “The practice group reception held near the end of the summer associate program, during which there was ample time to connect on a more personal level with many colleagues within the practice group. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun.”
● “Nationals baseball game; DC United soccer game.”
● “Paella cooking class.”
The Firm Says
Sterne Kessler’s summer associate program offers an exciting, hands-on introduction to a career in intellectual property law. Summer associates gain meaningful experience working on real client matters while exploring life at the firm across our four practice groups: biotechnology & chemical, electronics, mechanical & design, and trial & appellate.
Through substantive assignments, practical training, and close collaboration with attorneys, students build skills that prepare them for success as first-year associates. Just as important, our supportive culture, engaging training programs, and fun summer events create opportunities to connect with colleagues, contribute meaningfully, and experience the innovative spirit that defines Sterne Kessler.