Fay Sharpe - We Protect Your Ideas.

Summer Associate Program FAQs

Choosing a firm to clerk at can be a daunting process. To assist you, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions about the Fay Sharpe Summer Associate Program.

Why Fay Sharpe?
With the sole focus on intellectual property law, Fay Sharpe can offer an in-depth view of this highly specialized law concentration. This provides exposure and experience that cannot be found elsewhere.

What types of projects will I work on?
One important goal of the Summer Associate Program is to expose students to a diverse workload within their areas of background and interest.  Summer interns can expect research projects and amendment writing. Current law clerks have also been assigned to draft licensing agreements, clearance opinions and even patent applications. We do not create projects for our summer associates, but rather have them work on existing billable projects for our clients. These various projects are a direct reflection upon the type of work that a new attorney would perform as a first or second-year associate.

Will I interact with clients?
Yes. Summer associates accompany our attorneys to client meetings and inventor interviews. A clerkship at Fay Sharpe allows law students to rapidly develop skills and prepare for a career as an attorney; therefore, we offer as many real world opportunities and cases for students to expand upon their already existing knowledge.

How are projects assigned?
Projects are assigned by existing attorneys, who take the summer associate’s background and interest into account. We find this method effective, given our goal to provide diversity of work and maximize the summer associate’s opportunity to prepare for the role of an IP attorney.
 
How will my work be evaluated?
Assigning attorneys who work with the summer associate are asked to complete a formal evaluation each month. All evaluations are given to our hiring partner, Steve Haas, who is responsible for providing timely constructive feedback to our summer associates throughout the summer.

Will there be anything to do other than work?
Absolutely!  The firm sponsors social events throughout the summer, while also encouraging summer associates to take part in events sponsored by local organizations like the 20/30 Club, the Cleveland Bar Association, and other groups allowing summer associates to interact with peers and attorneys.

Who will answer my questions once I arrive at the firm?
The day you start, the first person you will interact with will be the Human Resources Manager, Kelly Bartel, who can answer most of your general questions. Steve Haas can answer your questions pertaining to the practice. Don’t forget, however, that all of our attorneys are accessible and will be pleased to spend time sharing their knowledge with you. 

Do you make offers to your summer associates?
Since our summer associate program is an essential part of our hiring process, at the end of each summer, we review and hire clerks based on their performance. We hire those who best understand the needs of the practice, and those who can carve their own niche into the culture of the firm.

What kind of hours will I work as a summer associate?
Summer associates, like our associates and partners, are not required to work specific hours. In the summer, they are expected to work full-time (37.5 hours/week). We do try to extend, as much as possible, flexibility regarding test preparation, vacations, etc.

How long is the summer program?
The summer associate program typically lasts about three months. Start and end dates are flexible.

Will I have an opportunity to work during the school year?
This is determined on a case-by-case basis, and involves need as well as the feedback that is generated monthly by assigning attorneys regarding the summer associate’s performance.

Where does the firm interview on-campus?
We typically interview at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland-Marshall School of Law and the University of Akron School of Law. Interviews generally take place in September and October, but we may visit again after December 1st and in the spring, depending on need. Contact your school’s Career Center for upcoming on-campus dates. If we are not coming to your school, and you’re interested in a summer associate opportunity at Fay Sharpe, please contact Steve Haas or Kelly Bartel.

If your question wasn’t addressed here, please contact our Hiring Partner, Steve Haas at 216-861-5582 or shaas@faysharpe.com.
Intellectual Property Law