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[erico]

Hello All,

I was hoping to get your thoughts on my possible tracks this summer.  For some background, I'm a B.S.E.E. with about 4 years in the industry.  My school offers some interesting externship (unpaid) opportunities and I'm trying to understand the value of them in comparison to a paid internship.  One catch is that I have to commit to the externships early (as in a month from now) so I will have no idea what kind of paid position, if any, I will be deciding against.  How valuable is the experience at the Court of Appeals?

Option A (unpaid externships)-
5 weeks at the US Courts of Appeals, Federal Circuit (Wash. DC)
+
5 weeks at an IP boutique

Option B (paid internship)-
10 weeks at an IP boutique

Thanks!

[Robert K S]

Tough to answer unless one of us has had the position, but...

(1) Just from the face of it, it appears like it will look really good on a resume, except--
(2) How much can you learn in five weeks beyond how close the nearest 3 Starbucks are?
(3) The answer to (2) will also greatly depend on the character of the job.  I.e., what sorts of tasks will they have you doing?  I can't imagine doing anything substantive at the CAFC without prior patent law experience, but even clerical may be a fun way to get your feet wet.

If I were in your position and had some bank, I would be tempted to try for option (A).

The unsaid option (C) which I would recommend would be to work in-house under the mentorship of an experienced patent counsel or general counsel.

[erico]

How much can you learn in five weeks beyond how close the nearest 3 Starbucks are?

Granted.  But from some of the reviews I've read students have written rough drafts of opinions, bench memos, and case summaries in addition to participating in discussions with the clerks and judges.  So I think it's possible to get some writing experience.  I plan to talk to one of the 3L's who did it his 1L summer but haven't gotten the chance yet.

The unsaid option (C) which I would recommend would be to work in-house under the mentorship of an experienced patent counsel or general counsel.

I'm attempting to work that angle through some connections.

If I were in your position and had some bank, I would be tempted to try for option (A).

 
Yeah, I think I'm going to go for it.

Thanks for the response.