Sterne Kessler IP Law Writing Competition

JD students enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school during fall 2025 expecting to graduate in 2027, 2028, or 2029 may apply. Prior 1L entrants from the prior cycle may re-enter if they did not place in the top three.

First place receives $10,000, second $5,000, and third $2,500, plus guaranteed summer associate interviews. The essay analyzes a recent Federal Circuit IP decision plus a short personal statement.

Submissions run December through late February each year. The 2026 cycle closed February 27, 2026.

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, a Washington, DC intellectual property firm, hosts this annual competition.