Summer 2027 Law Clerk

Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP in Louisville, Colorado invites rising law students to join a 10-12 week Summer 2027 Law Clerk program. This full-time, in-person clerkship provides hands-on experience alongside experienced attorneys in Tribal and Federal Indian law.

Work directly on litigation and transactional matters, conduct legal research, draft memos and briefs, attend hearings and client meetings, and receive mentorship while contributing to matters affecting Tribal Nations.

Qualifications

• Completion of 2L year by Summer 2027.
• Completion of Native American Law coursework prior to the start of the clerkship.
• Strong legal research skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with attorneys on both litigation and transactional matters, contributing to active client files.
• Gain exposure to sovereignty, jurisdiction, child welfare, natural resources, governance, and business matters affecting Tribal Nations.
• Conduct legal research and draft research memoranda, motions, briefs, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Observe and participate in legal practice by attending hearings, client meetings, negotiations, and internal strategy sessions when available.
• Develop professionally through mentorship, feedback, and discussions with leaders in the field.
• Contribute meaningfully to projects that support the Firm's mission of advancing and protecting the rights of Tribal Nations and their citizens.

Skills

Strong legal research skills

Excellent written and oral skills

Education

2L year

Native American Law coursework

Job description

At Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP, we are proud to stand at the forefront of Tribal advocacy. Our summer program offers law students the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys on meaningful matters that directly impact Tribal nations and communities. Clerks gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and insight into the practice of Tribal and Federal Indian law in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is a national law firm dedicated to the representation of American Indian tribes and organizations. We provide legal counsel across a broad spectrum of services including business transactions, litigation, and governmental affairs in tribal, state, and federal forums.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for our 10-12 week Summer 2027 Law Clerk position in our Louisville, Colorado office. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, in-person clerkship.

What to Expect

• Work directly with attorneys on both litigation and transactional matters, contributing to active client files.
• Gain exposure to a wide range of issues impacting Tribal Nations, including sovereignty, jurisdiction, child welfare, natural resources, governance, and business matters.
• Conduct legal research and draft high-quality work product, including research memoranda, motions, briefs, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Observe and participate in legal practice by attending hearings, client meetings, negotiations, and internal strategy sessions when available.
• Develop professionally through mentorship, feedback, and opportunities to discuss career paths and experiences with attorneys who are leaders in their field.
• Contribute meaningfully to projects that support the Firm's mission of advancing and protecting the rights of Tribal Nations and their citizens.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of 2L year by Summer 2027
• Completion of Native American Law coursework prior to the start of the clerkship
• Strong legal research skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in practicing Tribal Law and Federal Indian Law
• Familiarity with Tribal communities, cultures, or governments
• Prior experience working with Native Nations or organizations serving Indigenous peoples

Compensation:

The expected hourly range for this position is $36.00 - $49.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s work location, experience, qualifications, and skills.

Application Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Legal writing sample
• Law school transcript

Applications accepted through September 21, 2026.