We believe that hands-on training can enhance the law student’s experience throughout the school year—not just during the summer. That’s why our law clerk program is structured as a year-long experience, giving our clerks an edge over their classmates who participate in typical summer programs and real work experience that deepens their grasp of what’s being discussed in class.

Most of our clerks arrange a part-time work schedule during the school year and then join us full-time during the summer. Offers are extended at the end of the summer before a student’s final year of law school, and those who will join us as associates may continue working as clerks until they graduate and pass the bar.

What do we mean by “real” experience?

As a Patterson law clerk, you’ll start doing real work as soon as you’re able—under the supervision of an attorney, of course. There are no made-up or “fluff” projects. By the time you’re an associate you will have experience with writing patent applications, attending court hearings, drafting opinions, answering office actions, conducting litigation research and interacting with clients. It’s also likely that you will get involved in developing patent strategy for our clients, many of whom do not have in-house patent counsel. Our program will give you hands-on training and acclimate you to our clients and processes—you will be trained well and treated like a professional.

Another key element of our program is mentoring. As a law clerk you are assigned both an associate and a partner who will serve as a mentor and provide direction, whether it’s assisting with a task that’s new to you or helping you forge additional relationships within the firm.

When summer does arrive, our clerks ramp up their hours and we turn up the fun. Your hard work is rewarded with activities such as lawn bowling, an afternoon cheering on the Minnesota Twins, a BBQ at one of our partners’ homes, and a firm-wide outing.

What do our law clerks—past and present—say about the program?

“The clerk program allowed us to do work similar to what a newer associate would be doing. From day one, I was treated as a peer, and was able to work directly with associates and partners, as well as with clients. Because of the rigorous clerk program, the transition last year from a clerk to a first year associate was very smooth and I hit the ground running.”

-- Daidre Burgess
Associate
Law Clerk, January 2005 – October 2006

‘What I valued about the program was the year-around aspect, which enabled me to do several long term projects, build upon past experiences and work with a variety of attorneys. The firm was very flexible; my school work did not suffer and I took extra time off around finals. I also enjoyed the work—it was important and interesting, not just “grunt” work.”

-- Stuart Olstad
Associate
Law Clerk, March 2004 – October 2005

“I appreciate the mentoring aspect of the program. People have taken the time to explain things at my level and make sure that I am exposed to the different areas of IP law. It has also allowed me to really get to know people within the firm.”

-- Jennifer Huang
2008 Associate
Law Clerk, October 2006 - present