Sterne Kessler Again Named a “Best Midsize Law Firm to Work For” in Annual Vault Survey

Washington, D.C. (July 15, 2024) – Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox has once again earned accolades across a range of categories in Vault’s annual “Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For” rankings. The firm also earned a top 20 practice area prestige ranking among eligible law firms of all sizes in the intellectual property category of the 2025 guide. The Vault rankings are based upon the company’s Annual Associate Survey conducted from January 2024 through March 2024.

Sterne Kessler is positioned among the top midsize law firms in the following categories:

• Diversity (Top 15)
• Formal Training (Top 15)
• Wellness (Top 15)
• Technology & Innovation (Top 20)
• Intellectual Property (Top 20)
• Selectivity (Top 25)

Each year the Vault survey, in addition to the comprehensive quality of life rankings noted above, gathers anonymous comments from associates on several aspects of firm life, including culture, quality of work, training and mentoring, and more. Following are a selection of direct quotes from Sterne Kessler associates provided to Vault in the 2025 survey:

• “Our firm has a positive and inclusive culture. Everyone values the importance of maintaining professional social connections.”
• “The directors here are very friendly. There aren’t the same egos that I’ve seen at other firms. Leadership is keen for the new associates to do well and I have received ample support.”
• “The firm assigns a mentor to each associate or junior timekeeper, who oversees professional development of the mentee and connects with them in both professional and interpersonal ways. Each practice group also provides training to junior timekeepers regarding the laws pertinent to practice.”
• “I spend most of my time on substantive prosecution work or legal research. I get to work directly with clients and feel I have been given a good balance of support and independence when it comes to my docket.”
• “The firm encourages pro bono work and holds semi-annual workshops that provide pro bono services to the local community.”
• “The firm is incredibly supportive of diversity and recognizes its added benefits to the workplace. The firm highlights various diverse groups throughout the year, including inviting guest speakers.”

Learn more about Vault’s “Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For” rankings and methodology here. View Sterne Kessler’s firm profile on the Vault website here. Learn more about career opportunities for lawyers, other IP professionals and staff on our Careers page here.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

Based in Washington, D.C. and renowned for more than four decades for dedication to the protection, enhancement, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. Its team of attorneys, registered patent agents, technical specialists, specialized trademark paralegals, and law clerks include some of the country’s most respected practitioners of IP law, tackling innovations across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm’s practitioners represent Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities in a client service driven environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Visit the firm online at sternekessler.com.