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Patent Internship

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts / USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program

Patent Law Internship

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) in New York, in partnership with the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program, assists artists, creators, and independent inventors with applying for a design and/or utility patent to protect their invention. 

Each semester, VLA offers an internship opportunity for one current law student, who is also a registered patent agent. To be eligible, you must be available to receive school credit and work at least 10-15 hours per week. VLA’s office in midtown Manhattan is currently operating on a hybrid in-office/work-from-home model. VLA accepts semester internship applications on a rolling basis.

This is a great opportunity for law students who are interested in a career patent law, are committed to public service, and are looking for hands-on training in legal practice.  

Duties include:

  • Reviewing intake files for patent-related legal matters, and preparing memoranda that identify key legal and factual issues.
  • Participating in client consultations and administering client case files in preparation for referral to pro bono counsel.
  • Conducting legal research, writing, and case management in support of ongoing patent matters.
  • Assisting with VLA’s education and development programming by creating presentation materials, and teaching classes on legal and business issues that affect inventors.

Essential skills:

  • Admission as a registered patent agent
  • Demonstrated interest in public service
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong legal research and writing skills
  • Preference will be given to 3L students

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript to the attention of Emma Frean at efrean@vlany.org. Please include “Patent Internship” in the subject line, and provide the semester for which you are applying.

You will be notified if you have been selected for an interview. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those being considered will be contacted.

Equal Employment Opportunity: VLA is committed to enhancing our diverse workforce and actively encourages applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, gender identity and physical abilities to apply. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, marital status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. EO/AA Employer.

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