Intellectual Property Attorney Internships
Intellectual property attorney internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on experience drafting patent applications, conducting prior-art searches, and managing trademark portfolios alongside working IP attorneys and paralegals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with BAE Systems USA, Textron Systems, and Type One Energy among the employers posting roles now.
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See related jobsWhat Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Business Graduate Intern to join our Agreements team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Support ongoing operational activities (e.g. invoicing, tracking, customer relations, etc.)
- Learn and utilize intellectual property management software for monthly data analysis and reporting
- Interface with internal/external stakeholders during contract facilitation
- Demonstrate attention to detail through review of contracts and in communication
The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
- Pursuing a Business Degree or related field
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Experience conducting research utilizing the web
- Excellent written communications
- Attention to detail
- Experience with business and marketing concepts
- Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Technology Partnership Agreements, Licensing, and Intellectual Property (IP) Department 1982 is responsible for negotiating and executing CRADA, NFE and Licensing agreements, and managing and deploying Sandia's IP portfolio.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Business Graduate Intern to join our Agreements team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Support ongoing operational activities (e.g. invoicing, tracking, customer relations, etc.)
- Learn and utilize intellectual property management software for monthly data analysis and reporting
- Interface with internal/external stakeholders during contract facilitation
- Demonstrate attention to detail through review of contracts and in communication
The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
- Pursuing a Business Degree or related field
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Experience conducting research utilizing the web
- Excellent written communications
- Attention to detail
- Experience with business and marketing concepts
- Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Technology Partnership Agreements, Licensing, and Intellectual Property (IP) Department 1982 is responsible for negotiating and executing CRADA, NFE and Licensing agreements, and managing and deploying Sandia's IP portfolio.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Intellectual Property Attorney Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Intellectual Property Attorney Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think you need to
Large law firms and corporate IP departments recruit summer intellectual property attorney interns the preceding fall, often filling cohorts before spring semester begins. Smaller firms and co-op programs post closer to their start dates. Check listings in September and again in January rather than waiting for a single recruiting window.
Build a writing sample before you apply
IP intern hiring teams expect limited work history, so the artifact that gets you an interview is a written sample: a patent claim draft, a prior-art research memo, or a trademark clearance analysis. Document the legal issue you addressed, the sources you consulted, and your conclusion so the recruiter has something concrete to evaluate.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and your law school's career center staff often know which IP firms recruit from your program before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach and catches openings that never appear at a fair.
Practice your interview format out loud before applying
Intellectual property attorney intern screens typically combine a written exercise, such as a short patent claim or research memo, with a conversation about your reasoning and legal analysis process. Practice explaining your analytical approach out loud, not just in your head, because interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as the final answer you reach.
Target structured IP internship pipelines at larger organizations
Many large technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and full-service law firms run formal summer associate or IP intern programs specifically built to train people new to the field. These programs recruit early and fill fast. Identify the ones that match your practice-area interest, whether prosecution, litigation, or licensing, and get your application in during the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 50% of the intellectual property attorney internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type so you are not spending time on roles you cannot accept.
Intellectual Property Attorney Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an intellectual property attorney internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For intellectual property attorney candidates, the concrete artifact recruiters want to assess is a patent draft, a written legal memo, or a documented research project showing analytical precision. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where IP recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an intellectual property attorney internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For intellectual property attorney interns, what actually drives it is the quality of your work on real client matters, team headcount at the end of the summer, and how early the firm signals its return-offer timeline. Perform well on substantive assignments and ask your supervisor about the process rather than counting on a standing offer.
When should I apply for intellectual property attorney internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large law firms and corporate legal departments recruit summer intellectual property attorney interns the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller firms, boutique IP practices, and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Check listings regularly rather than waiting for a single recruiting season.
Are intellectual property attorney internships paid?
Most professional intellectual property attorney internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements exist primarily at nonprofits or through academic credit arrangements, so read each listing carefully before applying.
What should an intellectual property attorney internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects showing your legal research and writing ability, such as a patent claim draft, a trademark clearance memo, or a prior-art analysis, with the tools used and links or samples where the work is viewable. Add relevant coursework in patent law, IP strategy, or technical subjects matching your target practice area, and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote intellectual property attorney internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 50% of the intellectual property attorney internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because the pool of applicants applying for them is larger, so apply early and filter by work type to see them before they close.
Can international students get intellectual property attorney internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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