Law Intern - Student Trainee
Patent and Trademark Office
Posted: March 13, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Patent and Trademark Office
Department of Commerce
Location
Alexandria, Virginia
Salary
$41,659 - $60,593
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Education & Training jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $30,286 - $39,372
Typical requirements: 1 year general experience. 2 years college or associate degree.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This internship at the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office offers students a short-term chance to work alongside experts in intellectual property, gaining hands-on experience in innovation and government operations over about 90 days starting in early June.
It's perfect for undergraduates or those pursuing associate degrees who want to explore federal careers, learn about patents and trademarks, and build skills in areas like legal writing while still in school.
Ideal candidates are motivated learners eager to contribute to meaningful projects with global impact.
This exciting internship opportunity will start early June and will not exceed 90 days.
Imagine starting your career working side by side with intellectual property (IP) leaders as part of USPTO's Internship Program.
Join us as part of a team that makes meaningful changes with a global impact across the IP Community.
To Be Eligible for an Appointment Under the Pathways Internship Program you must meet the following requirements: Student applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled.
Student Trainees must be in good academic standing, as defined by the institution they are attending.
Generally, a student must maintain at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) for undergraduate programs (cumulative; no rounding) and a 3.0 GPA for advanced degree programs.
Individuals must meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their internship appointment.
To qualify for this position, you must meet BOTH the Pathway Internship Eligibility requirements as well as the minimum Qualifications for the position.
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position.
You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Pathways Internship positions.
To qualify for the GS-4 grade level: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree.
Two full academic years of undergraduate credit hours determined by the college or university attended.
All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
To qualify for the GS-5 grade level: Completion of 4 full academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.
Qualifying education includes technical, trade, or vocational school; college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school or medical school); or a post-secondary homeschool curriculum.
All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:
As a USPTO Intern, you will receive practical, virtual hands-on experience by engaging in a variety of diverse and challenging activities.
This exciting opportunity is ideal for you if: You're inspired by innovative environments that allow you to contribute to the accomplishment of organizational goals.
You're interested in engaging directly with agency leadership to gain insight into the USPTO mission by participating in regular senior level sessions.
You desire to explore federal careers while completing your education.
You enjoy learning through routine and recurring developmental assignments which will help acquire knowledge and understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the areas of innovation and intellectual property while completing your education.
You're committed to training and development on various topics relating to the USPTO and government service. You're interested in getting experience in legal writing and analysis.
You're excited about assisting with special projects and new initiatives.
You're a relationship builder who finds enjoyment in participating in group/team assignments and assisting with research, analysis, statistics and reporting out your findings.
You're an effective writer who finds interest in drafting various documents and reports, creating spreadsheets and charts, etc., to present a variety of data and information.
You are excited to assist with IT projects that will change the way we do business. You're enthused and interested in observing appeal hearings, cases, and panels.
You'll get to choose from one of the Organizational Offices below where you can best showcase your skills and make an immediate impact.
The Office of the Under Secretary (OUS) Office of the Commissioner for Patents (Patents) Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks (Trademarks) Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (OCAO) Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA) Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO) Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Office of Public Engagement (OPE) Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office of General Counsel (OGC)
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