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Hi? What are some steps on becoming a intellectual property or company lawyer?
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Amber’s Answer
Hi Kayson! I went through law school so I might be able to offer some insights. Full disclosure: I started law school with the intention of becoming an IP lawyer, but I didn't end up in that practice area. I think my advice would still apply.
Fred's response is really spot on. I will just add that during law school, your first year curriculum would be focused on required doctrinal classes, which are pretty standard across the country (e.g., criminal law, tort, contract, etc.), but by your second and third year, you will have the flexibility to pick electives that cater to your interests. My first advice to you is to research law schools before you even begin to submit your applications. Ideally, you would want to end up at a school that has a good offering of IP classes (e.g., copyright, trademark, trade secrets, etc.). Some schools might offer certificates in IP, which could be helpful to boost your resume. You might even reach out to the faculty and start building relationships with them, as they could be great contacts to have as you try to break into the IP world. Additionally, you might also want to do some research on where you want to end up in --geographically speaking -- based on the market demands for IP attorneys. For example, IP opportunities might be more abundant in the east and west coast just because these places are generally hotspots for entertainment and corporate activities.
Let's say you've made it into a law school of your choice, and you are on your way to completing your first year. At this point, you would want to start thinking about summer internships. If you're passionate about IP, you might look into opportunities at law firms or the government (e.g., USPTO, US Copyright Office). You could also look into non-profit organizations (I did a summer at an art law organization). I will note though, I have noticed most job postings for patent attorneys require some sort of STEM undergraduate degree, so keep that in mind if your goal is to become a patent attorney.
I didn't become an IP attorney because I took a meandering path during law school, which landed me somewhere else outside of IP, so I would also encourage you to stay curious and be open to opportunities outside of IP (you just never know where you might end up in!). In the meantime, reach out to IP attorneys and learn from their experiences. I find that folks are generally happy to set aside time to talk to aspiring attorneys and they are always pleased to meet people who are interested in their respective practice areas.
All the best in your future endeavors!
Fred's response is really spot on. I will just add that during law school, your first year curriculum would be focused on required doctrinal classes, which are pretty standard across the country (e.g., criminal law, tort, contract, etc.), but by your second and third year, you will have the flexibility to pick electives that cater to your interests. My first advice to you is to research law schools before you even begin to submit your applications. Ideally, you would want to end up at a school that has a good offering of IP classes (e.g., copyright, trademark, trade secrets, etc.). Some schools might offer certificates in IP, which could be helpful to boost your resume. You might even reach out to the faculty and start building relationships with them, as they could be great contacts to have as you try to break into the IP world. Additionally, you might also want to do some research on where you want to end up in --geographically speaking -- based on the market demands for IP attorneys. For example, IP opportunities might be more abundant in the east and west coast just because these places are generally hotspots for entertainment and corporate activities.
Let's say you've made it into a law school of your choice, and you are on your way to completing your first year. At this point, you would want to start thinking about summer internships. If you're passionate about IP, you might look into opportunities at law firms or the government (e.g., USPTO, US Copyright Office). You could also look into non-profit organizations (I did a summer at an art law organization). I will note though, I have noticed most job postings for patent attorneys require some sort of STEM undergraduate degree, so keep that in mind if your goal is to become a patent attorney.
I didn't become an IP attorney because I took a meandering path during law school, which landed me somewhere else outside of IP, so I would also encourage you to stay curious and be open to opportunities outside of IP (you just never know where you might end up in!). In the meantime, reach out to IP attorneys and learn from their experiences. I find that folks are generally happy to set aside time to talk to aspiring attorneys and they are always pleased to meet people who are interested in their respective practice areas.
All the best in your future endeavors!
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Kayson
Updated
Fred’s Answer
You want to be a lawyer. You don't state where you are, so the "next step" really depends on that. But basically:
1) Graduate high school (generally 4 years)
2) Graduate from a 4 year accredited school and earn your bachelor's degree (generally 4 years)
3) go to law school (generally 3 years)
There are other steps in there like taking the LSAT, passing the bar, etc., but the above are the major points.
While in law school, you would probably do an internship (or something similar). Your studies in law school would have to focus on I.P., once you are able to make those selections.
Undergraduate degree could be in almost anything. History or Poly Sci are common for future lawyers. However, something in the sciences may help if you are going to be an I.P. lawyer. If you are going to focus on computer I.P. then a CS degree may help. If you want to work for a pharmaceutical company, then maybe Bio or Chem. And so on.
Please note: I am not nor have I ever been a lawyer, so take my advice with a large grain of salt. You may want to speak to your current career counselor - they would have further and probably more specific advice.
1) Graduate high school (generally 4 years)
2) Graduate from a 4 year accredited school and earn your bachelor's degree (generally 4 years)
3) go to law school (generally 3 years)
There are other steps in there like taking the LSAT, passing the bar, etc., but the above are the major points.
While in law school, you would probably do an internship (or something similar). Your studies in law school would have to focus on I.P., once you are able to make those selections.
Undergraduate degree could be in almost anything. History or Poly Sci are common for future lawyers. However, something in the sciences may help if you are going to be an I.P. lawyer. If you are going to focus on computer I.P. then a CS degree may help. If you want to work for a pharmaceutical company, then maybe Bio or Chem. And so on.
Please note: I am not nor have I ever been a lawyer, so take my advice with a large grain of salt. You may want to speak to your current career counselor - they would have further and probably more specific advice.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Kayson