U.S. Summer Program - Patent Development Candidates (JD Year 2029)

DLA Piper LLP; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 218,000; Part time

Job summary

DLA Piper's Patent Development group seeks exceptional law students for the 2028 summer program in Palo Alto and other offices. The 10-week program offers hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to client needs.

Ideal candidates are entrepreneurial with a science background and eagerness to grow as a legal professional. This internship emphasizes teamwork, trainings, and networking, with a hybrid in-office requirement.

Qualifications

• This application is open to the Class of 2029 law students.
• Interest in patent development and science background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with clients and team members.
• Produce deliverables and respond promptly to inquiries.
• Support attorneys and participate in training activities.
• Meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Build professional relationships within the firm.
• Comply with firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both computer-based and virtual meetings.
• Work under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
• Handle other duties as assigned.
• Attend law school recruiting events and network.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Strong writing skills

Interest in patent development

Education

Law student (J.D. candidate)

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper’s Patent Development group is seeking exceptional law students to join the 2028 summer program in the following offices: Boston, Philadelphia, Palo Alto, San Diego, and Washington, DC.

We are seeking candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset, who are motivated to build their legal skills and gain insight into client needs. We value innovators and creative thinkers. If you thrive on challenge and value teamwork, we want to hear from you.

Our in-depth training focuses on your development and helps prepare you for the future. You will be assigned a team who will provide support and offer feedback, and you will be able to build your network through social events. Our 10‑week program provides insight to what life is like as an associate at DLA Piper.

Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in patent development and a background or education in science.

If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or if you have any questions, please contact the law school recruiting team.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

Requirements

This application is open to the Class of 2029 law students.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
• Foster positive work relationships;
• Comply with all firm policies and practices;
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment;
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

Hybrid with in‑office expectations

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Pay Transparency

The weekly pay for this position is currently expected to be $4,326.

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center