2026 Summer Clerkship Program

Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner is seeking current law students for their 2026 Summer Clerkship Program in Minneapolis. The program offers aspiring patent attorneys mentorship and hands-on experience in patent prosecution. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering fields and an interest in patent law. Participation includes assisting in various client projects, responding to office actions, and engaging in client meetings. Applications are encouraged before October 1, 2025, for the summer of 2026.

Qualifications

• Current law students are eligible to apply.
• Bachelor of Science in fields like computer science or engineering is required.
• Advanced degrees will be considered as an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with client projects related to patent prosecution.
• Prepare responses to office actions and patent applications.
• Engage in client interactions like meetings and teleconferences.

Skills

Patent law interest

Technical work experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, engineering, or equivalent

Current law student

Job description

Overview

2026 Summer Clerkship Program – Minneapolis and San Jose

The firm is seeking current law students for its summer clerkship program. Our summer clerkship program provides aspiring patent attorneys with a thorough exposure to the profession. Summer clerks work under the mentorship of our attorneys to assist with a variety of client projects related to patent prosecution. These projects may include preparation of responses to office actions, preparation of patent applications, conducting searches for prior art, and preparing appeal briefs.

We work with our clients in a variety of technologies, and we hope to provide our summer clerks with experience in a technology area that closely matches both their technical background and their interests. We also seek to provide summer clerks with exposure to client interactions, such as attending meetings and participating in teleconferences with clients, where appropriate.

Qualifications

Applicants should be current law students and have a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. Equivalent degrees will be considered. Advanced degrees are a plus.

Technical work experience is highly valued, especially industry experience in designing, developing, testing, or supporting software, hardware, or networking technologies.

Applicants should be interested in patent law, as shown by coursework or legal experience. An ideal applicant is able to demonstrate a strong interest in patent prosecution specifically. Candidates who are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office are encouraged to apply.

Format

The summer clerkship program operates during the summer months of June through August, with a formal program typically during June and July. To accommodate different academic calendars at different law schools, the start and completion dates for each summer clerkship can be individually customized to support the goals of the firm and the clerk.

Application Process

Qualified law students may apply at any time, up to one year prior to their particular desired summer clerkship program. Applicants interested in clerking during summer of 2026 are encouraged to apply early, by October 1, 2025, due to the large number of applicants interested in summertime clerkships.

To apply, please use our online form to submit a resume, a cover letter, an undergraduate transcript, a law school transcript, office location preference, and a writing sample, preferably related to patents. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for this initial submission.

Other Requirements

Duties at SLW may involve exposure to technical information that may be subject to U.S. Export Control laws. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency ("green card") status may be required before consideration for a position at SLW.