Summer Associate Program
Summer Associate Program Overview
Marshall Gerstein’s Summer Associate Program plays a vital role in driving the firm’s growth initiatives. We aim to recruit and retain 1L and 2L law students, believing that they are the future leaders of our firm. Currently, over 35 percent of our Partners began their careers here as either Summer Associates or as Technical Specialists and Patent Agents who later pursued law school.
We are looking for candidates with sharp legal acumen and strong technical skills. The ideal candidate demonstrates a passion for learning, a strong work ethic, and the ability to collaborate effectively in team settings. For our patent prosecution and litigation practices, a technical or science degree is required, with an advanced degree preferred in certain cases. In contrast, a technical or science degree is not needed for our trademark practice. We also value diversity as a vital part of enriching our legal practice and welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds who can bring unique perspectives to our team.
As a Summer Associate at Marshall Gerstein, you can expect to engage in real, substantive legal work that spans various intellectual property disciplines, including litigation, prosecution, transactional, and/or trademark practices. You will receive mentorship from both a Partner and an Associate attorney, who provide guidance and support throughout the summer. Additionally, you will participate in presentations and training sessions aimed at enhancing your professional development and deepening your knowledge of IP law and firm practices.
Summer Associates at Marshall Gerstein also enjoy opportunities for social events, lunches, and cross-practice networking throughout the summer. Popular social events include pickleball, game nights, visits to Second City comedy club, cooking classes, volleyball league participation, golf outings, baseball games, and progressive dinners. We even have our own ping pong table for spontaneous matches!
Marshall Gerstein is dedicated to supporting your long-term success by investing in your development during the summers between your law school years. We want you to succeed in your career as an IP attorney, and the goal of our summer program is to prepare you for a future as an Associate at our firm. To recognize your commitment to our firm and your career growth at Marshall Gerstein, our summer program offers a bonus when you begin your first-year associate position after completing one or more summers with Marshall Gerstein. The bonus amount is commensurate with your participation, whether during your 1L, 2L, or both summers.
Marshall Gerstein 1L LCLD Scholars Diversity Scholarship
Marshall Gerstein is proud to partner with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) for its 1L Scholar Program. Along with the Marshall Gerstein Summer Associate experience, an LCLD Scholar at Marshall Gerstein will have the unique opportunity to spend two weeks working with one of our esteemed clients, gaining valuable insight into the client’s perspective and how Marshall Gerstein supports the client’s business goals. Additionally, through this program, LCLD offers a "Virtual Experience" where Scholars can explore career development strategies and build professional relationships through a specialized development series.
Applicants for the Marshall Gerstein LCLD Scholar program must submit a statement detailing how their personal, academic, and/or professional experiences enable them to bring a diverse perspective to our team and the clients we serve. Up to two LCLD Scholars will be chosen for the program and will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon completing their summer experience.
Application Information
1L applications are accepted from October 1 through January 31.
2L applications are accepted from May 1 through August 31.
Qualified candidates should apply through the link below.
1L Summer Associate Applications
2L Summer Associate Applications
We welcome your questions!
Michele Gudaitis
Legal Recruiting Manager
[email protected]