Patent Engineering Internship
The Position
Michael Best is seeking Engineering and Science students who wish to explore the world of Intellectual Property to apply for a paid internship in our EDGE Patent Engineer Internship Program. This summer internship program will take place approximately from the end of May 2026 to the end of July 2026.
What We Offer
- Challenging work assignments including patent research and technical writing for cutting edge technologies
- Formal goal-setting and evaluations
- Paid training from experienced patent agents and attorneys and a generous weekly rate
- Opportunity to take ownership of and control over your projects
- Networking events and social activities
- 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
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 analyze and research new inventions
- How to draft patent applications
- How the patent application process works with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office...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.
Job Requirements
- Enrollment in a bachelors, masters, or Ph.D. degree program majoring in one of the following: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering
- Enrollment in a Ph.D. degree program in one of the following: Pharmacology & Toxicology, Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Medicinal Chemistry, Immunology, Structural Biology, Organic Chemistry, or Inorganic Chemistry
- Preferred graduation dates of May 2026, December 2026 or May 2027
- Passion for technology and a genuine interest in patent law (however, no previous experience in patent law is necessary)
- Highly proficient research and analytical skills
- 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.
The Company
This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP, 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 have continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.
The Location
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); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); 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.
The program will be hosted in our Milwaukee office; however, you may have the option to be placed in other offices if you receive a fulltime offer after graduation.
Please include a resume, cover letter, (unofficial) transcripts, and a 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.
We will begin interviewing for this position by the end of September.
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies 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.