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Careers

United States—1L Patent Litigation Fellowships

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1L Patent Litigation Fellowships

Our U.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 a team of full-time patent litigators, patent prosecutors, and patent agents who are highly skilled at analyzing technology. We have litigated more than 350 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 1L 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 agree to begin both the 2027 and 2028 summer programs at the firm and remain for the full 10 weeks of each of our regularly scheduled programs—for a total of 20 weeks over two summers. In addition to receiving a summer associate salary, Fellows will also receive a $25,000 stipend after the conclusion of their second 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.

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Application process

All first-year students in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school are encouraged to apply. Ashurst Perkins Coie is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other identity.

Please submit the following materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter (include information regarding geographic preference)
  • Undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) school transcripts
  • Law school transcript (unofficial versions are acceptable; if not available at the time of application, one must be provided as soon as available)
  • Legal writing sample (10 pages 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, although all technical and scientific backgrounds may be considered. 
  • Perspective: Life experiences that have shaped your perspectives and professional goals.

Start date: Applications for the 2027 Summer Associate program will open on November 2, 2026.

Application materials should be submitted in PDF form and will be considered on a rolling basis.

Summer ‘trackers’

Trackers coordinate work assignments and monitor the type, quality, and amount of work assigned to each summer associate. Summer associates are also encouraged to seek out assignments directly from senior associates and partners.

Supervising lawyers provide informal feedback to summer associates after each assignment and submit written formal evaluations to the office hiring committee. These evaluations become part of each summer associate's midsummer and final evaluations.

What we can offer you

  • Career development and training

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  • Global focus

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  • Pro Bono

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  • Globally recognized expertise and culture

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Benefits and wellbeing

We strive to create a workplace in which our people receive the resources they need to excel in their work and their everyday lives. That's why we offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package, including health and well-being, family, financial, and lifestyle benefits.

We are a global firm, and as such our benefits may differ according to office location. We effectively support the needs our people while taking into account their location. For specific details of benefits, please visit our Applicant Resource Hub.

Anchorage
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, allie.erstad@ashurstperkins.com

Austin
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, deidre.sparks@ashurstperkins.com

Bellevue
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, allie.erstad@ashurstperkins.com

Boise
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, allie.erstad@ashurstperkins.com

Chicago
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, sarah.hayden@ashurstperkins.com

Dallas
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, deidre.sparks@ashurstperkins.com

Denver
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, michelle.morris@ashurstperkins.com

Los Angeles
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, michelle.morris@ashurstperkins.com

Madison
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, sarah.hayden@ashurstperkins.com

New York
Tonya Gaskins she/her/hers
Senior Diversity Recruiting Manager, tonya.gaskins@ashurstperkins.com

Palo Alto
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, deidre.sparks@ashurstperkins.com

Phoenix
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, michelle.morris@ashurstperkins.com

Portland
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, allie.erstad@ashurstperkins.com

San Diego
Michelle Morris she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, michelle.morris@ashurstperkins.com

San Francisco
Deidre Sparks she/her/hers
Senior Legal Recruiting Manager, deidre.sparks@ashurstperkins.com

Seattle
Allie Erstad she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, allie.erstad@ashurstperkins.com

Washington, D.C.
Sarah Hayden she/her/hers
Legal Recruiting Manager, sarah.hayden@ashurstperkins.com

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Applicant Resource Hub

For answers to all of your FAQs and information on application and interview tips, the benefits we provide, life at Ashurst Perkins Coie, our L&D programs and our commitments to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

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Diversity, Inclusion & Opportunity

We have deep and enduring commitments to diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

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Agencies

Agency submissions and candidate introductions will only be accepted with prior approval from a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Talent Acquisition team. To submit or introduce a candidate, an agency must have valid agreed terms of business in place with Ashurst Perkins Coie. Any agency submissions or candidate introductions made without prior approval or without the agreed terms of business in place will be considered invalid.