Summer Associates

Irwin IP's Summer Associate Program

We view our summer associates as valuable members of our firm. Every year, we invite a few selected individuals to participate in Irwin IP’s Summer Associate Program at our Chicago office. Our program is designed to quickly integrate summer associates into our teams by giving them real assignments, not just research projects or “busy work.” Unlike other firms where summer associates work on piecemeal assignments, Irwin IP’s summer associates are staffed on cases which best fit their backgrounds and interests and are able to meaningfully contribute to those cases.

If you are looking for a summer associate position that will (1) help you develop your knowledge; (2) hone your skills as you dive into the thick of exciting intellectual property litigation cases; (3) provide an opportunity to work side-by-side with experienced litigators; and (4) enable meaningful interaction with a team that is getting a case ready for trial, consider Irwin IP.

Hear From Prior Summer Associates

Alex Bennett - Summer 2021

“Irwin IP allowed me to jump immediately into challenging projects and the firm treats you like any other associate. The firm provided direct feedback on my assignments and support was available anywhere you looked for it. Oh, and the summer-associate events were a blast too!”

Suet Lee - 2022

“My summer at Irwin IP allowed me the opportunity to foster relationships with knowledgeable and friendly Partners and Associates and exposed me to substantive IP projects. I am truly appreciative of the mentorship and comradery that this firm presents in and out of the office.”

Ariel Katz - 2021

“As a summer associate at Irwin IP, I worked on several substantive legal projects, including responding to a Trademark office action. I appreciated the level of trust partners and associates gave me with handling assignments. Plus, it was fun getting to know everyone through lunches and firm events! Whirleyball was a highlight.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What offices have summer programs?

Irwin IP’s Chicago office has a formal, in-person summer associate program.

How long is the summer program?

This 10-week program generally runs from the end of May through the end of July or early August.

How are assignments handed out?

Before the summer begins, the firm leaders meet and discuss the summer associates and try to match each summer associate to a team based on his or her educational and work experience to date. As summer progresses, we encourage our summer associates to reach out to any attorney with whom they would like to work and see if there are any opportunities to work on projects with them.

What is the feedback and evaluation process?

Summer associates will work directly with senior attorneys who provide feedback and constructive criticism on their assignments. At the end of the summer, we hold in-person evaluation meetings with each summer associate.

Will we get to work on pro bono matters?

Summer associates will generally work on billable matters but may also have the opportunity to work on pro bono matters on a case-by-case basis. Past summer associates have had the opportunity to work on pro bono matters such as drafting a response to a trademark office action and researching copyright royalty issues for a contract negotiation.

What mentoring opportunities are there?

Summer associates will be provided with an associate mentor who will guide them through the summer and be their resource for any questions they have.

What training is provided?

Our summer associates participate in a one-day orientation/training session their first week at the firm. There traditionally have also been various opportunities throughout the summer to join the trainings that may be offered for firm attorneys.

What do you look for in a candidate?

We look for 2L law students with demonstrable proficiency in technology and a science/technical background. We look for clear verbal and written communicators who desire a career in intellectual property litigation.

Do you consider 1Ls?

Typically, we do not consider 1Ls. Please reach out to our careers team when you are a 2L.

Apply Now!

Send us your resume and transcripts using the link provided, below. Feel free to include a letter if necessary to explain your technical qualifications.