Morrison Foerster (“MoFo”) is seeking first-year law students ready to tackle complex, challenging problems and eager to launch a career in patent law. Our Two-Summer Patent Program develops the next generation of MoFo patent prosecutors over two full summers, and it’s built around three things: Impact, Innovation, and Investment.

Impact: From your first summer, you take on real patent prosecution work at every stage, and you contribute to analysis, due diligence, and litigation support alongside our lawyers on substantive client matters.

Innovation: Patent law sits at the frontier of technology. You’ll work with innovative companies on their newest inventions, backed by a practice with more than 60 Ph.D.s, more than 100 advanced degrees, and multilingual capabilities, including Chinese and German. From early technical development to product clearance and licensing, we build a deep understanding of each client’s business and tailor their bespoke IP strategy.

Investment: The program is designed to help develop you as a patent lawyer. Over two summers, you will:

• Accelerate your skills through our signature Patent Boot Camp;

• Receive personalized mentorship from our nationally recognized IP partners;

• Benefit from financial support to prepare for and take the USPTO exam; and

• Become eligible for a $40,000 bonus.*

Who We Are

MoFo is a destination law firm where ambitious lawyers do their best work. We take on our clients’ most complex and consequential matters, and we develop the people behind them. The lawyers who thrive here bring curiosity, ownership, and a genuine commitment to the work and to one another.

We’re deeply committed to our values, pro bono work, and inclusivity. To learn more, explore our digital resources, including our interactive Summer Associate Program brochure, virtual job simulations, the MoFo+ blog, and topic-based playlists on MoFo To-Go.

Who You Are

• A first-year law student in good standing, enrolled in a J.D. program at an ABA-accredited law school;

• Authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizenship or valid work authorization required);

• Dedicated to pursuing a career in Patent Prosecution and intending to join this practice group upon graduation;

• A registered patent agent or eligible to take the USPTO exam;

• For our Technology Group, candidates should have a background in engineering or computer science;

• For our Life Sciences Group, candidates should hold a graduate-level degree in life sciences, plant biology, chemistry, or medicine; and

• A demonstrated record of academic achievement, with strong writing and interpersonal skills, proven leadership, and active community involvement.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through February 28, 2027. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis from October 1 through November 20, 2026 and then will resume in late December.

All applicants must submit the following documents as pdfs:

• Résumé;

• Cover letter indicating your office location preference(s);

• Transcripts for all degrees (completed and in progress); and

• A writing sample (5 to 12 pages).

 *To complete the program and receive the $40,000 bonus, summer associates must spend both their 1L and their 2L summers with the firm (no split summers) and must receive and accept an offer of full-time employment to join the Patent Group following law school graduation.

Compensation

Summer associate compensation is set to align with first-year associate salaries at $225,000 for the class of 2026. This amount may be modified in the future. Health and wellness benefits and paid holidays may also be included.

EEO Statement

Morrison Foerster provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. The firm does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex (including in connection with pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, transgender status, domestic partner status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.