Summer Associates
Our summer program leads summer associates through an exploration of all aspects of intellectual property law during an intensive ten week program. Our goal is to provide an unforgettable experience where students gain valuable work experience and develop a real-world view about how a law firm works as a whole.
After completion of their second summer, local law students may continue to work with the firm on a part-time basis during the academic school year. Students from outside the area may assist with projects by telecommuting after they return to school. Based upon individual circumstances, it is possible to work with the firm on an on-going basis from the first summer up to joining the firm as a new attorney. This continuing relationship with the firm facilitates the transition from law clerk to attorney. With an intensive training and development program, challenging work assignments, mentoring, hands-on client experiences, and ample opportunities for social interaction, summer associates are equipped to reach their full potential.
BSTZ summer associates bring technical backgrounds and academic excellence to the program. Summer associates are intricately involved with writing patent applications, drafting claims, assisting with patentability studies, performing patent searches regarding validity studies, preparing responses to office actions and writing appeal briefs. Additional responsibilities include patent analysis, opinion projects, infringement vs. non-infringement issues, attorney-supervised client counseling, and projects relating to trademark and copyright matters in a wide variety of high technology areas. The variety of assignments provide summer associates with challenging work that prepares them for their involvement in the legal profession.
BSTZ is committed to the professional development of its attorneys, staff, and summer associates. We offer in-depth training in a wide variety of areas such as patent prosecution, foreign filing, trademarks and appellate law.
- Introduction to BSTZ
- 35 U.S.C. 102/103
- Invention Disclosure
- Workshop on Office Actions
- Claims Drafting Seminar
- LexisNexis Lunch & Training
- Patent Application Drafting
- Appeal Practice
- Content of Patent Applications
- Duty of Disclosure
- Reissue/Patent Correction
- Software Patents Around the World
- Reexamination Practice
- Opinion Letters - Basics - Post-Seagate
- Foreign Filing & Prosecution
- Litigation
- Allowance/Issuance
BSTZ values the importance of mentoring and its relationship to career success. It is essential that we pass along the collective wisdom and experience our attorneys have gained throughout their years of practice.
Our attorneys are proud to be selected as participants in our mentoring program, and our summer associates benefit from their relationships with their personal mentors. Summer associates are paired with mentors to guide them through each stage of their professional development. Mentors will provide challenging assignments and share their expertise and experience throughout the summer program.
Social events are designed for summer associates to become acquainted with each other, the attorneys and staff, and the local area. Past summer events have included cooking classes, baseball games, rock climbing, theatre, and other social gatherings.
Santa Clara University School of Law
Loyola University Chicago Patent Law Interview Program
McGeorge School of Law
Southwestern Law School
Loyola Law School Los Angeles
University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law
Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School
University of Houston Law Center
When does the summer program start and end?
The program begins in June and ends in August.
Do I have to work the full ten weeks?
It is difficult to evaluate summer associates interested in splitting the summer. Therefore, we encourage participation in our ten week program.
What type of law student is BSTZ seeking?
BSTZ is seeking students with engineeering degrees. A background in electrical engineering, computer science or computer engineering is preferred.
What if I want to work during the school year?
If BSTZ extends an offer to you after the summer program ends, you may be able to work part-time for the firm as a law clerk during the school year.
