USPTO Law Extern
What you'd do
This is an unpaid Law Extern position under the USPTO Law Extern Program. This program provides talented law school students with unique opportunities to gain valuable skills and professional experience. Join us to learn more about various career paths at the USPTO. For more information about the USPTO, please visit the USPTO Careers Website.
Major duties
This exciting opportunity is available for law school students during the Fall 2026 academic term (September through December). Some things you should know: This position may provide support to one of the following USPTO business units: the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Policy and Internal Affairs, the Patent and Trial Appeal Board, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, Patents or Trademarks. The duties assigned to this position are authorized to be performed in the United States (currently defined as the fifty states and the District of Columbia) and Puerto Rico. This position operates under a flexible hybrid remote/telework model, allowing law externs to complete the majority of their legal research and support work from their home campuses, with occasional in-person visits to the Alexandria campus as needed. Apply quickly! This announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, all applications received during the open period will be considered.
What you need to qualify
To be eligible for this position, you must: (1) be a U.S. Citizen or National; (2) currently enrolled in law school as a 1st, 2nd or 3rd year law student with at least a 2.75 grade point average -- 1st year law students must have completed one semester; (3) be in good academic standing. The ideal candidates should possess experience that includes performing legal research; and/or the ability to interpret, analyze various issues/matters; and/or strong oral and written communication skills. If selected, the above eligibility requirements must be maintained throughout the period of employment. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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