Summer Associates & Law Clerks
Each summer, Brooks Kushman welcomes four to six law students to participate in our summer associate program. The program exposes students to all areas of our practice and actively involves them in interesting and diverse legal matters. Our firm hires summer associates with the hope and expectation that they will eventually become associate attorneys at our firm.
From our community activities to educational sessions and our mentorship programs, Brooks Kushman’s summer associates and law clerks become involved in all aspects of the firm. We assign each summer associate or law clerk to both a prosecution and litigation attorney to serve as a mentor and career coach to ensure a full overview of our practice areas. Educational sessions for summer associates and law clerks include classes on claim drafting and the basics of patent applications, each hosted by one of our firm’s shareholders. We also provide law clerks and summer associates with access to various online training subscriptions. Our firm participates in on-campus recruiting at select law schools nationwide each fall and spring. We also accept applications directly from candidates throughout the year. If you are interested in joining us, please send a cover letter and resume to recruiting@brookskushman.com.
Can law students in their first and third year apply for the summer associate program?
Yes. First-year law students and, in exceptional cases, third-year law students may apply.
Is a background in science or engineering required to apply to your summer associate program?
For patent prosecution, a background in science or engineering is required. The firm offers other practice areas including trademarks, copyrights, and litigation, in which a scientific or engineering background is not a prerequisite.
Can I split the summer between Brooks Kushman and another law firm?
Yes. Candidates should note their interest in dividing the summer between law firms on their initial application.
What are the dates of your summer associate program?
Normally our summer associates join us between one and three weeks after the completion of the school year. However, because of the size of our firm, we can be flexible with regard to start and end dates.
When are decisions made about hiring law students for the summer associate program?
We typically make those decisions at the start of the fall semester and again in February or March. However, special consideration will be made for outstanding candidates.
When are decisions made about hiring full-time associates?
Summer associates are given feedback throughout the program about their potential to join the firm as a full-time associate. Our summer associates are given priority in the hiring process, and our firm has a strong track record of making offers for full-time employment to our summer associates. The actual hiring decisions usually are made in the fall following their summer at the firm although the timing of the offer may vary.
What type of training and experiences will I receive as a summer associate?
Our firm makes every effort to craft projects and responsibilities consistent with each individual’s interest and to cover all areas of intellectual property law so as to assist the law student with his or her future career decisions.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes, our firm provides a senior associate or partner as a mentor in the law student’s expressed area of interest. This will ensure that the summer experience is both enjoyable and beneficial to the individual and our firm.