Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship & Patent Engineer Internship
Building a diverse team of employees is a core value at Michael Best & Fredrich, LLP and part of our strategic focus. Michael Best invites undergraduate and graduate Engineering and Science students who wish to explore the world of Intellectual Property to apply for a both a paid 10-week internship in our Patent Engineer Summer Internship Program and the Michael Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion “DEI” Scholarship/Stipend.
Michael Best will be accepting applications from potential scholarship/internship candidates beginning October 1, 2022. An internal selection committee will evaluate all applications, considering factors such as overall commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, professional experience and academic achievement. The Michael Best DEI Scholarship/Stipend winner will receive a gift of a $15,000 non-renewable scholarship/stipend and a paid position in our 2023 Patent Engineer Summer Internship at $1500/week ($15,000 for the full summer).
Who Are We?
This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: The Firm has thrived by developing and providing a diverse team of professionals with the experience, skills, and relationships necessary to help each client achieve their goals more quickly and fully. For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.
Where Are We Located?
We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients.
What Do We Offer?
- Challenging work assignments including patent research and technical writing for cutting edge technologies
- Dedicated mentor to help oversee and guide your professional development
- Formal goal setting and evaluations
- Paid training from experienced patent agents and attorneys and a generous weekly rate
- Opportunity to take ownership and control of your projects
- Networking events and social activities
- Opportunity to connect with Firm members involved in DEI efforts
- Client interaction as well as interaction with patent examiners at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Potential firm-sponsored travel to other Michael Best offices and remote work opportunities
- Our interns perform tasks similar to our full-time Patent Engineers, Agents, and Scientists. We will teach you the basics of patent law through a training boot camp, including:
- What is a patent
- How to review invention disclosures and perform a patent search
- How to draft patent applications, including drafting specifications and preparing drawings
- What does patent prosecution entail, and how does the application process work...and more.
- While working closely with our highly skilled engineers, patent agents, and patent attorneys, we will introduce you to patent law as it relates to various technologies and industries. A dedicated mentor will also help you set goals, manage projects, network, and access available resources to ensure your time spent at Michael Best is successful and rewarding. At the midpoint and end of your internship, your mentor will also meet with you to conduct a formal performance appraisal and provide valuable feedback.
Bring Your Best:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment in a bachelors or master’s degree program with an expected graduation year of 2023 or 2024
- Majoring in one of the following: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, chemical engineering, or materials engineering (majors in the life sciences are also accepted)
- Strong academic achievement
- Passion for technology and a genuine interest in patent law (however, no previous experience necessary)
- Highly proficient research skills and demonstrated analytical ability
- Detail-oriented with excellent time management and follow-up skills
- Strong initiative to gain experience and take on challenges
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
How Do I Apply?
To be considered please submit an online application. Your completed online application package must include the following items:
- Resumé
- Unofficial or Official Undergraduate Transcript
- Unofficial or Official Graduate School Transcript (if applicable)
- Writing Sample: As technical writing is an important aspect of this internship; it is helpful to submit a writing sample that includes technical content related to your area of study. However, any writing sample that demonstrates your ability to concisely describe an item, process, or idea can be submitted.
- Personal Statement: In your personal statement, we request that you demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. You may incorporate factors such as:
- Ability and commitment to contribute to the diversity objections of a law firm
- Life experience that has shaped your values and that provide you with unique prospective
- Past experiences that have contributed to your personal and professional growth
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Interest in working at Michael Best
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
As required by the Equal Pay Act: The salary for this internship is $1,500 per week. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, depth of experience in the area. This position is considered a full-time seasonal internship and is therefore, ineligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including: medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. This internship is not eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.