Multiple Offices | Job Posted: October 15, 2026

McDermott; New York (NY); On-site; USD 230,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship toward law school

Mentorship program

Networking opportunities

Job summary

McDermott invites 1L law students to apply for the 2027 Intellectual Property Fellowship in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. You will engage with mentors and work on associate-level IP matters while gaining real client exposure.

Bright candidates will participate in structured training, networking, and social opportunities, with a weekly salary of $4,519 and a $15,000 scholarship upon completion of the program. Top fellows may return as 2L Summer Associates in 2028.

Qualifications

• Enrollment at a U.S. ABA-accredited law school.
• Anticipated JD graduation in Spring 2029.
• Strong academic and personal achievement as a student.
• Willingness to live and practice in the city or region of your office of interest.
• Background in technical areas such as engineering, biology, or computer science is welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the Summer Associate Program with extensive training and networking.
• Receive mentoring from partners and senior associates.
• Engage in IP-focused assignments and client work.
• Benefit from workshops and practice group programming to build confidence and skills.

Skills

Strong academics

Interest in McDermott

Willingness to live and practice in a/

Education

ABA-accredited law school

Anticipated JD graduation Spring 2029

Job description

2027 1L Intellectual Property Fellowship - Chicago, New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.

Your legal career starts with work that matters. From day one, you’ll take on associate-level assignments for real clients and learn directly from partners who are invested in your success.

Each summer associate is paired with one or more dedicated mentors who offer day-to-day guidance and practical advice on the move from law school to a law firm. Formal feedback at the midpoint and end of the program shows you where you’re strong and what to focus on next.

The program is built around your professional growth and well-being. Writing workshops, hands‑on skills sessions, and substantive practice group programming help you build confidence and sharpen your legal skills. Through M c Dermott Well, you’ll have access to resources and events on balance and resilience, helping you feel supported in and out of the office.

We celebrate individuality and make space for you to bring your full self to the table, guided by trust and respect. You’ll meet lawyers and fellow summer associates across the firm, join a community built on collaboration and giving back, and build relationships that will last beyond the summer.

We offer our 2027 1L Intellectual Property Fellowship in the following offices: Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

• 1L IP Fellows take part in every aspect of the Summer Associate Program, with extensive training, networking, and social opportunities.
• In addition to a weekly salary of $4,519, 1L IP Fellows receive a $15,000 scholarship toward their law school education upon completing the 2027 Summer Associate Program.
• 1L IP Fellows have the option to return as 2L Summer Associates in 2028.

We welcome applications from any law student who is enrolled at a U.S. ABA‑accredited law school with:

• A strong record of academic and personal achievement
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career at M c Dermott upon graduation
• The intent to live and practice in the city or region of your office of interest
• Anticipated JD graduation in Spring 2029
• A technical background in preferred areas, such as Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Genetics, Immunology, Industrial Engineering, Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Neurobiology, Neuroscience, Nuclear Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or Physics