Closing Date: 15th February, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The Intellectual Property Section of the Commercial Litigation Branch represents the United States in matters involving patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Many of the Section's cases involve complex technologies, such as pharmaceutical compositions and sophisticated electronic devices, and litigation forms the majority of its workload. Attorneys represent the United States in suits in the United States Court of Federal Claims under 28 U.S.C. 1498, which provides patent and copyright owners a means of resolving claims of government manufacture or use, and also advise and represent agencies on trademark and other intellectual property matters.

Job Description:
Law student volunteers will work closely with C‑IP attorneys and gain practical experience in federal intellectual property litigation. Interns support active matters and develop skills in legal research, writing, and case preparation.

Responsibilities may include:

Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on a variety of intellectual property issues
Assist with discovery and trial efforts, including document review and preparation of exhibits
Work on projects spanning multiple subject areas, gaining broad exposure to intellectual property practice areas
Become familiar with the federal legal system and unique aspects of government litigation
Develop practical legal skills through hands‑on assignments under attorney supervision

All work must be performed on‑site in the Washington, DC office; remote work is not permitted.

Qualifications:
Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a current first- or second-year law student (current 1L rising 2L, or current 2L rising 3L)
Completion of at least one year of law school by the start date of the internship (current 1Ls must have completed their first year before the internship begins)
Must be a current law student enrolled at least half-time in an accredited law school
Successful completion of a background investigation
Ability to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks and at least 40 hours per week during Summer 2026; a 6‑week full-time commitment may be considered for rising 3Ls wishing to split their summer with another employer
Availability to participate for the full duration of the internship, as agreed upon with the Intellectual Property Section

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong legal research and writing abilities
Attention to detail
Enthusiasm for working collaboratively as part of a small team
Technical background (strongly preferred)
Demonstrated interest in intellectual property law (strongly preferred)

Salary:
Positions are unpaid. Interns may receive academic credit or funding through external programs such as Federal Work Study, if applicable. Transit subsidy available for in-person commuting.

Number of Positions
1-2

Travel:

Not required

Relocation Expenses
Not provided