2028 2L Summer Associate - Patent Prosecution

Perkins Coie • Austin, TX

7d

About The Position

Ashurst Perkins Coie is accepting applications from first-year law students interested in joining the firm as 2L summer associates in the Patent Prosecution practice for the 2028 summer program. Summer associates receive substantive work—including 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 social events. Candidates may indicate a preference for up to two offices: Austin, New York, Palo Alto, or Seattle. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning November 2, 2026, and early applications are encouraged. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter with geographic preference, undergraduate and graduate transcripts if applicable, law school transcript (unofficial versions accepted, with an official or updated version provided when available), and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages. All materials must be uploaded in PDF format. References may also be requested from interview candidates. The role pays $18,750 per month and is not benefits-eligible, although paid holidays are available.

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 relevant to a successful legal career.
• Demonstrate an interest in practicing patent prosecution law.
• Be admitted to, or eligible to sit for, the Patent Bar.
• Have a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a similar field; candidates with advanced technical degrees in the life sciences may also be considered.
• Submit a resume, cover letter stating geographic preference, undergraduate and graduate transcripts if applicable, law school transcript, and a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages.

Nice To Haves

• Life experiences that have shaped the applicant’s perspectives and professional goals.
• Advanced technical degree in the life sciences.
• References may be requested from candidates selected for an interview.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal research, drafting, and analysis.
• Work on client-facing projects alongside attorneys and mentors.
• Attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings.
• Contribute to pro bono matters.
• Participate in professional development activities and firm social events.

Benefits

• Paid holidays are available; the position is not benefits-eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern