Summer Associate

Job Description

About Company

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (MBHB) is a law firm, implied to be based in Chicago, with a strong focus on Intellectual Property (IP) law. MBHB demonstrates a significant commitment to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), offering a dedicated fellowship to promote D&I within the field of IP law. The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, explicitly stating that it does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other protected group status under the law. MBHB also identifies as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Description, Detailed

1. Summer Associate Role

• Program Overview: As a summer associate at MBHB, you will participate in a comprehensive 10-week program designed to provide hands-on experience and learning in the practice of law, particularly within the intellectual property field.
• Mentorship: The program emphasizes active participation in client work, with guidance and support provided by dedicated partner-mentors throughout the summer.
• Typical Work Experience: Summer associates gain exposure to a variety of substantive legal tasks, which may include:
• Working on patent applications.
• Assisting in drafting freedom-to-operate opinions.
• Attending client presentations.
• Completing legal research for pleadings.
• Writing professional content such as blog posts or Snippets articles.
• Professional Development: The program includes structured professional development workshops specifically tailored to intellectual property law.
• Social & Networking Opportunities: Beyond the professional work, summer associates are encouraged to connect with colleagues and experience Chicago through weekly social events.

2. Job Requirements for Summer Associate

• Educational Background:
• A foundational engineering or scientific background is essential. This includes, but is not limited to, fields such as computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or similar disciplines.
• For candidates in the life sciences, an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) or relevant industry experience is required.
• For high tech/engineering candidates, prior experience in the field of AI/machine learning is preferred.
• Legal Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible to take the patent bar.
• Key Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated innovative thinking.
• Strong creative problem-solving skills.

3. MBHB D&I Fellowship

• Purpose: The Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship aims to support and encourage diverse students interested in intellectual property law.
• Eligibility:
• Open to Class of 2027 & 2028 JD candidates.
• Applicants must be 1L or 2L students from ABA accredited law schools.
• Fellowship Benefits:
• Guaranteed spot in MBHB’s 2026 Summer Associate Program.
• A $10,000 stipend to be used for law school tuition or other school-related expenses.
• An additional $10,000 award for fellows who accept full-time associate positions with MBHB upon completion of law school and successfully pass the Illinois Bar Exam.
• Reimbursement of up to $1,000 for pre-approved travel, meal, and/or registration expenses associated with activities that promote or educate about D&I topics in IP law.
• Application Requirements (for Fellowship):
• In addition to standard application materials, applicants must submit a 500-word personal statement.
• This statement should address two key areas:
• The applicant’s motivation for pursuing a career as an intellectual property attorney.
• How the applicant intends to meaningfully contribute to diversity and inclusion in the field of IP law.
• Definition of Diversity: MBHB broadly defines diversity to include, but not be limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, disability, religion, or national origin.