IP Law Writing Competition

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. (Sterne Kessler) is hosting its annual intellectual property law writing competition, and we invite entries from current law students interested in intellectual property law! All students enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school in a JD program during the fall 2025 semester and expecting to graduate in spring 2027, 2028, or 2029 are eligible and encouraged to submit entries. Law students who submitted an entry in our January 2025 Writing Competition as a 1L are eligible to submit a new entry for the February 2026 Competition if you did not receive a top 3 award. Deadline: We are accepting submissions from December 15, 2025 through February 27, 2026. Your submission must be fully uploaded here by 12:00 p.m. EST on February 27, 2026. Prizes: We will announce 3 winners and prizes of $10,000 to 1st place, $5,000 to 2nd place, and $2,500 to 3rd place. All 3 winners will be guaranteed interviews for a Summer Associate position or other appropriate position. Winners and prizes will be announced by March 27, 2026. Rules: To be eligible for a Prize, each applicant must upload: • Resume/CV • Fall 2025 semester law school transcript (unofficial copies accepted) • Original two-part essay (see below) Essay: Students should prepare an original two-part essay[1]: • Part I (less than 300 words): Prepare a short personal statement, including at least one motivating factor for you in choosing to pursue a career in intellectual property law. • Part II (400-800 words): Choose a recent decision issued by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (within the last two years) and discuss its immediate and/or potential impact on intellectual property law. • Essays should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. Judging: A judging panel of Directors from the firm, comprised of at least one representative from each practice group, will read and evaluate all entries. The panel will assess clarity, grasp of the legal and technical issues, and originality (e.g., case law selection, reasons for pursuing a career in intellectual property, interest in niche practice areas, etc.). Our four practice groups are the Biotechnology & Chemical Group, Electronics Group, Mechanical & Design Group, and the Trial & Appellate Group). For questions or further information, please contact Cassandra Kowal at [email protected] or Heather Molina at [email protected]. [1] Use of AI to assist with essay drafting is forbidden. Apply tot his job