Ongoing Patent Clerkship Program

The firm is seeking current law students for its patent clerkship program. 

Our clerkship program provides aspiring patent attorneys with a thorough exposure to the profession. 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 clerks with experience in a technology area that closely matches both their technical background and their interests. We also seek to provide clerks with exposure to client interactions, such as attending meetings and participating in teleconferences with clients, where appropriate.

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.

The clerkship program operates year-round, although clerks new to patents are typically asked to start with our formal summer program. For clerks experienced with patent prosecution, the start and completion dates for each clerkship are individually customized to support the goals of the firm and the clerk. Accordingly, experienced clerks may flexibly set their office hours to fit their academic schedules

Qualified law students are encouraged to apply at any time, up to one year prior to their desired start date.

Applicants interested in clerking during summer months (June, July, or August) are encouraged to apply early, by October 1 of the preceding year, 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.

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

Law firm business practices

Disclosure gathering and assessment for large clients

Client interactions – effective communication with inventors, in-house counsel, and executives

Prior art searching techniques and resources

35 U.S.C. § 101 – statutory subject matter

35 U.S.C. § 102 – novelty and anticipation

35 U.S.C. § 103 – nonobviousness

35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph – written description

35 U.S.C. § 112, second paragraph – definiteness

35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph – means plus function claims

Drafting claims – principles and exercises

Drafting drawings – technical illustration

Drafting specifications – written description, best mode, and enablement

Patent prosecution – amendment practice, responding to office actions, post-final office action practice, allowance practice, declarations, examiner interviews, and re-examination practice

Duty of disclosure – issues related to inequitable conduct

Due diligence in intellectual property transactions

Infringement of patents – theories and considerations