2027 1L Patent Litigation Fellowship (Dual Summer)

APPLY NOW: SUMMER ASSOCIATE PATENT LITIGATIOIN FELLOWSHIP TWO-SUMMER OPPORTUNITY (2027 & 2028)

Ashurst Perkins Coie is accepting applications from first-year law students interested in joining the firm as summer associates in Patent Litigation for both the 2027 and 2028 summer programs. This two-summer opportunity is designed to give students a deeper, more connected experience with the firm—culminating in the opportunity to join Ashurst Perkins Coie as a full-time associate after graduating from law school.  

Ashurst Perkins Coie’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 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. 

Patent Litigation Fellowship Overview 

• Fellows spend two summers at Ashurst Perkins Coie—10 weeks after their 1L year and another 10 weeks after their 2L year—gaining hands-on experience and a deep connection to the firm.  

• After satisfactory completion of the second 10-week summer program, fellows will receive a $25,000 stipend, which is in addition to their summer associate salary.   

Evaluation Criteria 

The 2027 Ashurst Perkins Coie Patent Litigation Fellows will be selected based on the following criteria: 

• Law students: Applicants must be first-year law students in good standing pursuing the degree of Juris Doctor at an ABA-accredited law school. 

• 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. 

How to Apply 

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-page maximum)  

If you are selected for an interview, we may also ask that you provide references (name, email, and phone).

In your application, please indicate your preferred Ashurst Perkins Coie office; you may list up to two offices. Candidates will be considered for the following offices: Austin, Chicago, Denver, Madison, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC.   

Application Deadline

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis beginning November 2, 2026. Early applications are encouraged. All materials must be uploaded in PDF format. Candidates can expect updates on their status by late January 2027.

About the Summer Associate Program    

Former summer associates comprise a significant portion of the new associates hired each year at Ashurst Perkins Coie. Summer associates receive meaningful, substantive work—research, drafting, analysis, and client-facing projects alongside skilled attorneys and mentors. Our summer associates regularly attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings, and can work on pro bono matters, as well as participate in professional development activities and attend social events that help build lasting relationships across the firm.  

The two-summer structure allows participants to return for a second summer, building on their first-year experience with increased responsibility, deeper client engagement and relationship building, and further development of core legal skills.  

About Ashurst Perkins Coie  

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is an international law firm recognized for its collaborative culture, commitment to excellence, and people-first approach. Named one of the country's "100 Best Places to Work For" by Fortune for two decades, reflecting our belief that exceptional work happens in a culture of respect, growth, and inclusion. 

Eligibility  

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.  

Compensation and Benefits  

This position is not benefits-eligible; however, paid holidays are available. The compensation for this role is $18,750 per month.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records who reside in Los Angeles County, San Diego County, or San Francisco County will be considered for employment in accordance with the applicable Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. 

#LI-Hybrid