My job search began after first semester of my 1L year. I have a technology background and my interest is mainly in intellectual property law. So, I applied to IP boutiques and general practice firms with IP departments. I sent my resume, transcripts, and cover letters via email to the recruiting attorneys or departments listed on the firm websites. I also did my best to contact attorneys I had met during the fall semester at recruiting events and emailed them my resume. I spent most of my winter break applying to these firms via email. This resulted in a few call back interviews in early January and February. Overall, I found it to be a very competitive process, and I did not expect to get a summer associate position since law firms hire very few 1Ls or none at all. I also applied to a bay area diversity program that matches up employers with minority students, which is how I interviewed with Fenwick and West. Fenwick gave me a great opportunity, and the firm matched well with my technology/IP interests.
The summer position was a terrific experience. I was exposed to a variety of projects from intellectual property, corporate law, and technical transaction work. The free market system at Fenwick & West allows you to choose work in different departments and attorneys. During the summer, I worked on about 15 small IP and patent projects. Other summer associates chose to work in the corporate, tax, and litigation departments. As a summer associate, you are evaluated on your work for each project and your overall fit with the firm. You have the opportunity to choose interesting work, form relationships with partners and associates, and learn more about the firm through firm events, lunches and activities. I found the attorneys to be very congenial and great to work with. I really liked getting to work with different attorneys, learning about the various practices and law firm life, and making friendships with summer associates in my class.
The experience was tremendous in helping me to decide how I want to shape my career in IP law. I believe it also helped me gain more opportunities for interviews with other firms during my 2L year. If you have the opportunity to work at a law firm during your first year summer, I would highly recommend it!
- Michelle Lee
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