2027 1L Patent Litigation Fellowship (Dual Summer)

Perkins Coie • Washington, DC

7d

About The Position

Ashurst Perkins Coie is hiring first-year law students for a two-summer Patent Litigation Fellowship. Fellows work as summer associates for 10 weeks after their 1L year and another 10 weeks after their 2L year, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper connection to the firm. After satisfactory completion of the second 10-week summer program, fellows receive a $25,000 stipend in addition to their summer associate salary. The opportunity is designed to culminate in the possibility of joining the firm as a full-time associate after law school.

Summer associates receive substantive work involving research, drafting, analysis, and client-facing projects alongside attorneys and mentors. They may attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings; work on pro bono matters; participate in professional development activities; and attend firm social events. During the second summer, participants build on their first-year experience with increased responsibility, deeper client engagement and relationship building, and further development of core legal skills.

The position is not benefits-eligible, although paid holidays are available. Compensation is $18,750 per month. Applications are considered on a rolling basis beginning November 2, 2026, and candidates can expect status updates by late January 2027. The role is offered through the firm’s Austin, Chicago, Denver, Madison, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC offices; applicants may indicate up to two office preferences.

Requirements

• Be a first-year law student in good standing pursuing a Juris Doctor at an ABA-accredited law school.
• Demonstrate academic achievement, excellent writing and interpersonal skills, and experience that can contribute to a successful legal career.
• Demonstrate an interest in practicing patent litigation.
• Submit a resume, cover letter including geographic preference, undergraduate and applicable graduate transcripts, law school transcript (unofficial acceptable; if unavailable at application, provide it as soon as available), and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages.
• Upload all application materials in PDF format.
• Indicate a preferred office; applicants may list up to two offices.

Nice To Haves

• A technical degree or background in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or a similar area is preferred; other technical and scientific backgrounds may be considered.
• References (name, email, and phone) may be requested if selected for an interview.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research, drafting, and analysis.
• Work on client-facing projects alongside attorneys and mentors.
• Attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings.
• Participate in pro bono matters and professional development activities.
• Build client engagement and relationships and develop core legal skills during the second summer.

Benefits

• Paid holidays are available; the position is not benefits-eligible.
• A $25,000 stipend is provided after satisfactory completion of the second 10-week summer program, in addition to summer associate salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed