2026 1L Summer Associate – IP Litigation – Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, or Washington, DC

Students looking for a firm that encourages them to be their authentic selves while becoming indispensable to clients should look no further than McDermott. One of the fastest-growing firms in the AmLaw 25, we give our summer associates the opportunity to do meaningful work from the start. Each summer is paired with a dedicated mentor (or mentors) who provide day-to-day guidance and practical advice about transitioning from law school to life in a law firm. In addition to this informal coaching, summers receive formal feedback at both the program midpoint and conclusion.

Our program is designed to support professional growth as well as personal well-being. Summer associates participate in a robust series of training opportunities, including writing workshops, hands-on skills sessions, and substantive practice group programming to help them build confidence and sharpen their legal skills. Complementing this, our wellbeing program offers resources and events focused on balance, resilience, and overall wellness, ensuring our summers feel supported both inside and outside of work.

At McDermott, inclusion, wellness, and community involvement are valued just as highly as client service, and our summer associates experience the Firm’s commitment to those values firsthand. For more information regarding our initiatives, please view our recruiting brochure: Join Us at McDermott – McDermott Will & Schulte

1L IP Litigation Summer Associate

McDermott is proud to offer our 1L IP Litigation Summer Associate position in our Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, or Washington, DC offices.

• The 1L IP Litigation Summer Associate will be included in all aspects of the McDermott Summer Associate Program, including extensive training, networking, integration and social opportunities.
• 1L IP Litigation Summer Associates will be paired with both a Partner and Associate mentor to provide guidance during the summer and throughout the school year.
• 1L IP Litigation Summer Associates will be paid $4,326 weekly, in line with our 2L compensation.
• 1L IP Litigation Summer Associates who successfully complete the 1L summer associate program are also eligible to earn an offer to return as a 2027 Summer Associate.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from any law student who is enrolled at ABA-accredited law schools with:

• A strong record of academic and personal achievement
• A genuine interest in pursuing a career at McDermott upon graduation
• The intent to live and practice in the city or region in which the office is located
• An anticipated JD graduation date of Spring 2028 at the time of application
• A technical or scientific background in preferred areas, including those with degrees in engineering (e.g., electrical, computer, mechanical, chemical, or biomedical), computer science, mathematics, or the physical, chemical and biological sciences.

Application Process

 We will accept applications on a rolling basis. Students must apply through our web application portal at www.MWE.com/Careers in order to be considered. Please submit your resume, writing sample, cover letter, undergraduate transcript and law school transcript (if it is available to you at the time).

Important note: The 2026 1L Summer Associate – IP Litigation position is not eligible for consideration under the 2026 1L Inclusion Fellowship. Candidates are welcome to apply separately for a 1L Inclusion Fellowship position if they wish to be considered for that opportunity.

IP 1Ls who join the firm’s 2026 Summer Program and return as 2Ls in 2027 will be eligible to apply for the 2027 2L Inclusion Fellowship.