Job Description
As a summer associate at MBHB, you will spend 10 weeks learning about the practice of law. MBHB's summer program encourages hands-on participation in client work, managed by partner-mentors throughout the summer. A summer associate might work on a patent application, assist in drafting a freedom-to-operate opinion, attend a client presentation, complete legal research for a pleading, or write a blog post or Snippets article over the course of their summer. In addition to substantive legal work, you’ll benefit from professional development workshops tailored to intellectual property law. Beyond the office, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with your colleagues and enjoy all that Chicago has to offer through weekly social events.
MBHB D&I Fellowship
McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (MBHB) is accepting applications from Class of 2027 & 2028 JD candidates for their Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship which includes a spot in our 2026 Summer Associate Program.
MBHB's Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship provides the opportunity for 1L & 2L students from ABA accredited law schools to participate in the firm's summer associate program and to receive a $10,000 stipend for law school tuition or other school-related expenses. Upon completion of law school, fellows who accept full-time associate positions with MBHB and pass the Illinois Bar Exam will be eligible to receive an additional $10,000 award. Furthermore, MBHB reimburses up to $1,000 of the recipients' pre-approved travel, meal, and/or registration expenses that are associated with activities related to promoting and/or educating them about D&I topics in IP law.
Applicants for the MBHB D&I Fellowship should submit, along with their other application materials, a 500-word personal statement on why you want to pursue a career as an intellectual property attorney and how you intend to meaningfully contribute to diversity and inclusion in the field of IP law.
Diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, disability, religion, or national origin.
Job Requirements
- Currently enrolled as a first year law student
- An engineering or scientific background such as computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or similar
- Life sciences candidates should have an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) or industry experience
- For high tech/engineering candidates, experience in the field of AI/machine learning is preferred
- Candidates must be eligible to take the patent bar
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills
The anticipated initial weekly salary range for someone who is hired into this position is : $3,750 per week
Benefits: Please visit our website to learn more about benefits provided https://www.mbhb.com/culture-and-development/
MBHB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other protected group status under the law. MBHB is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with regulations adopted by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
