2028 Summer Associate Program – Applications Open to 1L Students

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP is accepting applications from first-year law students for its 2028 Summer Associate Program. Recruiting during the first year of law school gives students an early connection to the firm and the opportunity to secure a position for the summer after their second year. The program runs for 10 weeks in 2028 and offers hands-on legal experience across the firm’s intellectual property practices. Summer associates work with attorneys on substantive client matters, which may include legal research, drafting patent applications, preparing responses to office actions, assisting with litigation matters, and other projects related to their assigned practice groups. The program also offers mentorship, training, professional development, exposure to experienced attorneys, opportunities to build professional relationships, and social events highlighting Chicago and the firm’s culture. The firm aims to provide a realistic introduction to intellectual property practice and develop relationships that may lead to future first-year associate employment.

Applicants should be first-year law students at ABA-accredited law schools with anticipated graduation dates in 2029. Candidates for patent prosecution or IP litigation should have a technical or scientific degree; an advanced degree is preferred in some cases. A technical background is not required for trademark practice. The firm seeks candidates with strong academics, including a minimum 3.0 GPA, excellent writing and communication skills, and a collaborative, motivated work style. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should include a resume and law school transcript when available, along with undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

The 2028 second-year summer program pays the firm’s standard Summer Associate rate, currently $3,800 per week for ten weeks. Participants who complete the full program and later join the firm as first-year associates may be eligible for a Summer Associate and Early Acceptance bonus. The firm states its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Be a first-year law student enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school with an anticipated 2029 graduation date.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and strong academic record.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong research and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn complex technical subject matter quickly.
• Collaborative, motivated work style; demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative.
• Demonstrated interest in intellectual property law and long-term professional growth.
• Candidates for patent prosecution or IP litigation should have a technical or scientific degree.
• Submit a resume, law school transcript when available, and undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred in some cases for patent prosecution or IP litigation candidates.
• For technical practice groups, an advanced degree in chemical or biological sciences, or a degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field with an AI focus, is preferred.
• Diverse background and breadth of experience and perspective.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside attorneys on substantive intellectual property client matters.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft patent applications.
• Prepare responses to office actions.
• Assist with litigation matters.
• Complete other projects relevant to assigned practice groups.
• Participate in mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

• Mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Social events showcasing Chicago and helping build camaraderie.
• Current summer associate compensation of $3,800 per week for ten weeks.
• Potential Summer Associate and Early Acceptance bonus for participants who complete the full program and later join as first-year associates.

What This Job Offers

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