2026 Chicago IP 1L Summer Associate

Job Summary
Job Description
At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

K&L Gates is currently accepting applications for a 2026 1L summer associate position for our Intellectual Property (IP) practice in our Chicago office. Recruitment for the 2026 summer associate program will focus on candidates interested in our IP Procurement and Portfolio Management ; and IP Litigation practice groups.

Our Summer Associate Program is designed to give law students a full picture of the firm. As a summer associate, you will work closely with experienced lawyers who will provide active mentoring while you learn about our clients, practices, lawyers, and culture.

We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination, and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world. We look forward to seeing whether K&L Gates is the right place for you to grow your career.

SELECTION CRITERIA
When considering candidates, we will look at the following criteria:

• A strong interest in our IP practice area
• Possess a bachelor's degree and/or advanced degree (M.S, Ph.D.) in a physical science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, etc.) or a technical field (Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, etc.)
• Superior academic credentials and excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a commitment to the highest quality of client service
• Class of 2028 J.D. Student

APPLICATION PROCESS
We will begin to review applications on a rolling basis. The application will remain open until the program has been filled.

Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume
• A law school transcript (A link will be provided to update your transcript after the receipt of spring semester grades)
• An undergraduate transcript
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample

Additional Consideration
While not required, if you have a personal connection to the office's city or region, please also include this information in your cover letter.

Weekly pay rates for summer associates are prorated based on first year associate salary and in 2025 range from $3,461.53 to $4,326.92 depending on office location and/or practice. The K&L Gates Management Committee will determine the 2026 summer associate salary prior to the summer program start date and could vary by office based on factors, including but not limited to market factors and geographic location.

About The Firm
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.

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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person's race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm's policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact .