By: Delisa Morris, Esq., M.S.

Last week I, Delisa Morris, former PSJD Fellow, had the opportunity to visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for educational programming about the office, and its internship and job opportunities. The audience got to hear from six offices inside the USPTO: Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO), Office of Equal Employment and Opportunity and Diversity (OEEOD), Trademarks, Office of Human Resources (HR), Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) / Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA) and Patents. Each office representative shared a little about what she does day-to-day, the initiatives the office is pursuing, the type of jobs the office has and what hiring managers in each office look for in applicants.

The USPTO was listed as the Best Place to Work in Government in December 2013.  The agency is self-supported, which allows it to be insulated from government shutdowns.  Additionally, the USPTO allows for alternate work schedules and full-time work from home capabilities. Sounds like a great agency to start a career right?  It’s also a great place to work for the long haul!  Many of the presenters commented that they had been with the agency for decades.  They contribute their longevity with the USPTO on their ability to do ‘Details’ (a stint with another office or agency entirely for a period of time).  Some Details have lasted for years.

Below, I’ve pulled out a few key facts from what I learned about the USPTO.

Patents

• There are 9,000 patent examiners (electrical, mechanical and physics)
• 35 to 40% of the people who apply to become patent examiners receive full-time offers and 50% of those are JD holders
• Fall externships are open now
• There are opportunities to shadow employees on a case by case basis

OCCO

• Always searching for strong writers
• Accepting interns, but no full-time opportunities upcoming
• Interns get ‘a run at the salad bar’
• Hiring officials look favorably at applicants who were previously interns

OEEOD

• Helps make USPTO diverse
• 18 staff members (Directors are attorneys)
• The formal team has three attorneys
• The hiring manager is looking for:
  • Passion for EEO & Diversity and Inclusion
  • Prior education/internships in the area
  • work with affinity groups (i.e. NAACP)
  • solid writing skills
  • proven use of alternative dispute resolution skills
• No internship program currently

Trademarks

• Attorneys are the bulk of the workforce. 860 employees, 555 attorneys
• 1,000 applicants per 50 jobs
• The hiring manager is looking for:
  • Detail oriented and decisive
  • Works well independently, most of the time it will be just you and your computer
  • Soft skills: staying abreast of pop culture/current news, well rounded knowledge from art to sports to history
• 80 attorneys telework across the USA and Puerto Rico
• Legal internships (paid and unpaid) are available, and they are very competitive

HR

• Wants the USPTO to be considered the Google of Government
• Using storytelling to reach applicants starting with a new campaign #ChooseGov
• 19% of recent grads are looking for government jobs, 74% of those seeking a government job are looking for work with the federal government
• They understand the USAJobs is a tough system to work with, but working at the USPTO is wonderful and worth the application process
• Veteran Hiring Program
  • Visit veteran recruitment fairs
  • Disabled veterans >30% are referred up to GS-15
  • Veterans with campaign medals are referred up to GS-11
  • Use the ‘Hire Vets’ mailbox to be matched before a position is broadcast to the public
    • Send an email to the veteran hiring coordinator and ask what’s available and if you qualify
    • Go through Recruit Military or Hiring Out Heroes

OCE/OPIA

• A 2010 startup
• Works on European trademarks, economic & legal literature updates
• Trademark registration is a leading indicator of economic ups and downs (The base of IP is econ)
• Hiring manager is looking for:
  • PhD’s
  • Open to different communication styles
  • Team oriented
• Office has unpaid externs that work on specific programming projects

Bonus: The cafeteria at the USPTO is amazing! I had a delicious made-to-order salad from the manifold of food stations including a pop-up BBQ.

Thank you Tanaga Boozer for giving us an inside look at your great agency!

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Legal Clinic Fellow

The Organization

TIRN is a legal services program operated through the TU College of Law Legal Clinic and funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. TIRN was launched in 2008 to address the shortage of attorneys working on behalf of the traditionally underserved noncitizen population of the greater Tulsa area. TIRN has three primary goals: 1) create and train a network of local attorneys to provide pro bono representation to vulnerable immigrants; 2) provide community education on legal rights and immigration remedies; and 3) provide direct legal representation in immigration proceedings to the greater Tulsa area noncitizen population. TIRN complements the work of students and faculty of the Immigrant Rights Project, a clinical legal education program of the College of Law.

The Position

The Tulsa Immigrant Resource Network (“TIRN”) seeks a Legal Clinic Fellow to begin October 1, 2017. The Legal Clinic Fellowship is a full-time, paid, two-year attorney position which serves as a bridge from academic studies to the practice of law by providing training and mentoring to a new attorney in a law firm setting. Under the supervision of the TIRN Director, the Legal Clinic Fellow will represent Tulsa-area noncitizens in immigration proceedings, present at community education events, participate in law and practice trainings and assist in building a pro bono network of Tulsa-area attorneys committed to representing non-citizens in immigration proceedings.

Ready to become a jolly good fellow? See the post on PSJD.

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Assistant Attorney General

The Organization

The Utah Attorney General’s mission is to uphold the constitutions of the United States and of Utah, enforce the law, and protect the interests of Utah, its people, environment and resources.

The Position

The State Agency Counsel Division of the Attorney General’s office seeks a dynamic attorney to represent the Utah Department of Human Services (DHS). This attorney will advise DHS on Juvenile Justice issues, civil rights compliance, and pending legislation, and will represent the DHS in matters before the juvenile courts and district courts and in administrative hearings. This is a one year, non-merit, entry to mid-level position. Preference will be given to an attorney with human services experience, experience with GRAMA, or HIPAA issues, or experience drafting and negotiating contracts on behalf of the State. Two to five years experience in juvenile or criminal justice preferred. This attorney will be co-located with the Department of Human Services, but will report to the State Agency Counsel Division. Must be an active member in good standing of the Utah State Bar. Some travel may be required.

Is this the perfect opportunity for you? View the full-post on PSJD.

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Summer just started, but it’s never too early to start thinking about next semester and academic year internships!

Volunteer Legal Internship/Externship – Fall, Winter, or Spring 2017-18

The Organization

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is an innovative partnership among the Microsoft Corporation, Angelina Jolie and other interested philanthropists, law firms and corporate supporters. KIND is dedicated to providing both pro bono representation and positive systemic changes in law and policy to benefit unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children. Launched in fall 2008, KIND is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has ten field offices across the country.

The Position

KIND’s Seattle field office is seeking volunteer legal interns who want to develop their lawyering skills while assisting KIND’s Seattle office’s direct representation and pro bono programs, which matches volunteer lawyers with unaccompanied children needing representation in immigration court.

Projects may include:

• Legal Screening: Assist with the initial screening of unaccompanied minor children, conduct communication with child clients, adult sponsors, and other agencies, including making psycho-social and other referrals as needed.
• Legal Research: Research current trends in immigration law and family law, country conditions, and other federal laws to assist in case preparation.
• Legal Writing: Draft legal briefs, declarations, and memoranda of law to assist in client cases.  Draft immigration forms to support in-house cases.
• Case Management: Update case summaries, track important court dates and deadlines, process referrals and communicate with clients.

Are you interested in this internship? See the full-post on PSJD.

Image courtesy of The Diamond Gallery

The PSJD Resource Center has valuable information for law students, career counselors and lawyers about public service law jobs.

The PSJD National Security Practice Area Guide is designed to give you a brief overview of the legal field in National Security Law.  It provides practical information regarding the types of employers with which you can pursue a career; steps to take during law school to help a future career in the field; security clearances; and resources to further research this rewarding field.

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Staff AttorneyThe Organization

Nevada Legal Services is a legal service corporation funded non for profit with the mission of strengthening the community by providing equal access to justice for low income Nevadans.

The Position

Nevada Legal Services is dedicated to providing legal help to low-income people across Nevada.  NLS has received a grant that is allowing us to significantly increase our attorney staff.  Staff attorney positions are available to fill multiple office locations (Elko, Yerington, Pahrump, and Reno).

Requirements:

• Applicants should be licensed to practice in Nevada or in another state and eligible for admission pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 72.1.
• Applicants must have an interest and passion for helping low-income Nevadans, seniors and veterans.
•  J.D. from ABA accredited law school.

Settle in the silver state. Check out the full-post on PSJD.

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Sidley Austin Appellate Advocacy Fellow

The Organization

Legal Aid was formed in 1932 to “provide legal aid and counsel to indigent persons in civil law matters and to encourage measures by which the law may better protect and serve their needs.” The largest part of our work is individual representation in housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer law. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic reform litigation.

The Position

The Sidley Austin Appellate Advocacy Fellow will be responsible for conducting legal research and writing; drafting legal and factual memoranda and briefs; conducting applicant and client interviews and meetings; reviewing and analyzing court filings and records; assisting with the maintenance of Legal Aid’s appellate case files, records, and dockets; engaging in oral advocacy, as appropriate; and other tasks as assigned to him/her by the Appellate Project Director, the Legal Director, or the Executive Director.

Take the lead with this new fellowship.  See the full-post on PSJD.

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Assistant Attorney General – Human Services Division

The Organization

The Attorney General of the State of Wyoming is appointed by the Governor, pursuant to Wyo.Stat. § 9-1-601 . The primary duties of the Attorney General are outlined in Wyo.Stat. § 9-1-603. The Attorney General’s office, by law, provides legal opinions only to elected and appointed state officials and represents the state agencies in actions in courts of law. The Attorney General’s office is prohibited from offering legal advice to private citizens or organizations.

The Position

The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office is seeking an attorney to represent the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Public Service Commission, Division of Banking, various licensing boards, and other state agencies as assigned. This position will also assist and advise other clients on legal matters on a day-to-day basis, represent clients in litigation and appeals, provide legal advice, review contracts, draft legal opinions, attend client board meetings, and review administrative rules.

Why not make a home in Wyoming? See the full-post on PSJD.

Photo: Brenda Gottesman – CC License

Summer Intern

The Organization (Pawtucket, RI)

SouthCoast Fair Housing (SCFH) is a private, non-profit fair housing organization. SCFH’s mission is to eradicate housing discrimination, increase equal housing opportunities, and help develop inclusive communities. SCFH works to accomplish these goals through education and outreach, advocacy, and enforcement activities.

The Position

We are seeking highly motivated law students (1L or 2L) for summer internships to assist with cases pending before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. Interns work on individual housing discrimination cases by conducting pre-litigation investigations and by researching and analyzing a wide variety of substantive and procedural legal issues. Interns also help with legal research involving systemic discrimination in rental, sales, and mortgage lending on the basis of race, national origin, disability, source of income, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics under state and federal fair housing laws. The focus of most cases developed with student assistance is on reducing residential segregation and expanding access to affordable housing throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

Be off on the road to Rhode Island this summer! Find the full-post on PSJD.

Veterans Legal Corps JD Intern

The Organization (New York, NY)

The City Bar Justice Center (CBJC) increases access to justice by leveraging the resources of the New York City legal community. Drawing upon our relationship with the New York City Bar Association (City Bar), the Justice Center provides legal assistance to those in need; mobilizes lawyers, law firms, corporate legal departments, and other legal institutions to provide pro bono legal services; educates the public on legal issues; fosters strategic relationships; and impacts public policy.

The Position

The City Bar Justice Center is seeking a Veterans Legal Corps intern for Summer 2017 as part of the Equal Jutstice Works AmeriCorps JD program. The intern will work closely with the Project Director to screen and interview potential clients, enter and analyze data, provide direct assistance under the direction of the attorney, prepare drafts of legal forms, schedule meetings with clients and pro bono attorneys, write reports, blogs and social media posts, manage clinics and assist in general administrative work and other duties as assigned.

Take a bite out of The BIG Apple this summer! See the full-post on PSJD.

Litigation Fellowship

The Organization (Houston, TX)

Lone Star legal Aid is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit law firm and its mission is to protect and advance the civil rights of low-income Texans by providing advocacy, legal representation, and community education that ensure equal access to justice.

The Position

Lone Star Legal Aid is seeking one law student in Lone Star Legal Aid’s Houston office assisting attorneys with providing legal services to clients facing eviction and other landlord/tenant issues such as utility cut-offs and lock-outs.  The fellowship lasts for 10 weeks, for 40 hours per week.

Go see if everything really is bigger in Texas! See the full-post on PSJD.

Civil Rights Internship

The Organization (Chicago, IL)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

The Position

Our Civil Rights Department handles cases that range from prejudiced gestures to full-blown discrimination. Our clients are Muslims, as well as members from other faith communities who have had Islam imputed upon them. Law Clerks and interns assist in several projects that highlight distinct civil rights issues that range from citizenship delays to securing the rights of Muslims to practice their religion freely in the public sphere, schools, places of employment, prisons, and other institutions.

Feel the breeze roll off Lake Michigan this summer in Chicago. Check out the full-post on PSJD.

Volunteer Intern

The Organization (Washington, D.C.)

The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, created by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society.  The Special Litigation Section is one of several sections in the Civil Rights Division.

The Position

Volunteer interns with the Special Litigation Section have opportunities to gain significant hands-on experience across each of our practice areas. Interns assist attorneys in conducting preliminary inquiries, investigating, litigating, and monitoring compliance with agreements. Assignments for interns may include conducting legal and factual research, assisting with witness interviews, making presentations, participating in case strategy sessions, and drafting memoranda, motions, and reports. Spanish language proficiency is desirable but not required. Students indicating proficiency may be tested.

Get started on your House of Cards photo renditions this summer in D.C.! The full-post is available on PSJD.