The 1L application window is now closed, though we are still processing applications for most locations. One of our recruiters will contact you to update you on your application status.

1L Patent Litigation Fellowships

Perkins Coie’s Intellectual Property (IP) practice combines the focus and flexibility of a boutique firm with the services of one of the world’s leading technology law firms. We have more than 220 full-time patent litigators, patent prosecutors, and patent agents who are highly skilled at analyzing technology. We have litigated more than 250 patent cases in the past two years, with achievements that include outright wins on motions to dismiss, summary judgments, and bench and jury trials. Candidates for our patent litigation fellowships must have a technical or scientific background. Applicants with prior relevant experience are preferred.

Our Patent Litigation Fellows are full participants in our summer associate program and must spend the first 10 weeks of their summer with Perkins Coie. In addition to receiving a summer associate salary, Fellows will also receive a $15,000 stipend at the conclusion of their summer. Fellows will be chosen based on their skills and experience, as well as their technical degree and demonstrated interest in practicing law in patent litigation.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

A complete application must include:

  • Current resume.
  • Cover letter.
  • Three references (name, email, and phone).
  • Undergraduate, graduate (if applicable), and law school transcripts (unofficial versions are acceptable).
  • A legal writing sample (10-page maximum).

We evaluate all applications for the fellowship and consider the following factors:

  • Academic achievement – A demonstrated record of academic achievement and excellent writing and interpersonal skills, as well as experience that will contribute to a successful career in the legal field.
  • Patent litigation interest – Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in practicing law in patent litigation.
  • Technical background – Applicants with a technical degree or background in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, and/or similar areas are preferred.
  • Perspective – Life experiences that have shaped your perspectives and professional goals.

Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program

At Perkins Coie, we foster a diverse and inclusive community where opportunities to succeed are available to all. Embracing diversity allows us to draw from different backgrounds and experiences, enabling us to attract the best talent to our ranks, and in turn build strong teams that provide excellent service to our clients. We are committed to creating an environment in which all our people thrive because they feel a sense of belonging.

We are proud to offer our Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program as part of our comprehensive, firmwide commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Diversity & Inclusion fellows are full participants in our summer associate program and must spend the first 10 weeks of their summer(s) with Perkins Coie. In addition to receiving a summer associate salary, fellows will also receive a $15,000 stipend at the conclusion of their first-year summer. Fellows who return as 2Ls will receive another $15,000 stipend at the conclusion of their second-year summer. Fellows who accept an offer to join Perkins Coie as an associate after graduation will receive a $10,000 stipend in late May of their final year of law school.

Criteria and Submission Guidelines

All students who are in good standing in their first year at an ABA-accredited law school are eligible to apply for the Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program. Perkins Coie is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications for the Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship Program from all eligible applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, disability status, or any other identity.

The 1L application window is now closed, though we are still processing applications for most locations. One of our recruiters will contact you to update you on your application status.

A complete application must include:

  • Current resume.
  • Cover letter.
  • Undergraduate and law school transcripts (unofficial versions are acceptable).
  • A legal writing sample (10-page maximum).
  • A personal statement (one page, single-spaced). The personal statement should be a narrative describing your academic, professional, and life experiences and, where relevant, identifying connections between those experiences and the broader goal of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

Your statement should provide concrete examples of DEI leadership, resilience, and perspective, highlighting the following:

  • DEI leadership. DEI initiatives or programs you have established, expanded, or otherwise substantively engaged in while in school (including undergraduate), with an employer, or in your community.

  • Resilience. Obstacles you have encountered and overcome and what you learned from those experiences.

  • Perspective. Relevant life experiences that have shaped your personal and professional goals.

In addition to the above factors, all applications for the fellowship also take academic performance into consideration. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of academic achievement and excellent writing and interpersonal skills, as well as experience that will contribute to a successful career in the legal field.

 

Apply Here >

Click the button below to review the FAQs prior to submitting your application.

FAQ

 

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“My summer at Perkins Coie was nothing short of an adventure. The level of access I had to associates, partners, and a challenging, yet exciting variety of assignments blew my mind. Everyone was incredibly kind, friendly, and approachable.”

Yara Slaton, Former 1L Summer Associate


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"Perkins Coie created a warm atmosphere for summer associates learning the ways of the law. I learned a great deal during my summer, and, most importantly, I never experienced any negative judgment for asking questions."

Junior Dufort, Former 1L Summer Associate