2026 1L Summer Associate IP Litigation / Patent Prosecution (JD Class 2028)

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Associate Program. In our program, you will step into the experience of life as an associate at Fish. Every day will bring new insights about the associate experience and prepare you to join our ranks - from training programs, to drafting legal documents, or talking strategy over a working lunch. We encourage skills development through complex client work assignments and training. Our social events, dedicated mentors, and relaxed firm culture create an environment that fosters your relationships with your fellow summer associates and our attorneys. At Fish, we promote a creative, respectful and inclusive culture that values the diversity of people and allows ingenuity to thrive. You will be a respected teammate, joining an elite group of attorneys solving intellectual property issues for the world's leading companies.

If you have a passion for science, engineering and intellectual property, we want to hear from you.

What You Will Do

• Draft patent applications (patent prosecutions summer associates).
• Conduct research and draft memos for litigation cases (patent litigation summer associates).
• May have opportunities to attend client meetings, depositions, and even trials.
• Explore your office's city and experience local culture with our attorneys as your guides.
• Attend the firmwide Summer Associate Retreat filled with training, networking, and fun.
  
  

Who You Are

• You demonstrate a record of academic and professional excellence in science or technology.
• You have a superior writing ability.
• You are curious and motivated to learn how things work.
• You are in good standing as a law student at an ABA accredited law school, with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2028.
• You have enthusiasm and are eager to rise to the challenge.
• You thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  
  

For Patent Litigation and Patent Prosecution Summer Positions: We require a scientific or technical background (degree and/or experience), excellent academic credentials, and superior writing ability.

2026 Summer Associate Salary: $4,327/week

Application Information And Timeline

• The application deadline is Noon (ET) on December 29, 2025.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting October 15, so submitting your application early may be advantageous.
• Should you be selected, you will be invited to one of our virtual firmwide interview days, which will be held on January 13 and January 15.
• If you are interested in also being considered for our Emerging Leaders Fellowship component, please apply to the position titled, "2026 1L Summer Associate with Emerging Leaders Fellowship (JD Class 2028)" instead of this one. You should not submit more than one application.
  
  

Fish & Richardson Information Sessions - Why I Chose Fish as an IP Law Student:

Preferred About

Law Students are invited to learn more about Fish & Richardson's premier Intellectual Property practice and summer associate program. Attorneys and former summer associates will discuss why they chose to join the country's leading IP firm. They will share their experiences and answer your questions about the practice and what to expect as a summer associate. To register, click on your preferred date:

Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM Pacific Time

Friday, November 7, 2025, 04:30 PM – 05:30 PM Eastern Time

Follow this link to learn more about our Summer Associate Program and review our FAQs www.fr.com/careers/law-students/

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