Fish & Richardson Launches Inaugural Undergraduate Education Program, “School of Fish: STEM Careers in IP”

Building upon its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, Fish & Richardson is launching “School of Fish: STEM Careers in IP,” an education program that introduces undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented communities to careers in intellectual property law. Applications for qualified students are now open. 

School of Fish is a cost-free educational series for rising juniors, rising seniors, and graduate students who are enrolled in a four-year undergraduate or graduate STEM program. The series features five virtual seminars in October 2023 and an in-person program in Fish’s Washington D.C. office in January 2024. During the program, participants will learn about practice areas in IP law, receive one-on-one career advising, socialize with Fish legal staff, and enjoy networking opportunities.   

School of Fish participants will receive a $1,000 scholarship as well as financial assistance for the LSAT or Patent Office Exam prep course as well as the respective exams. Fish will also cover travel and lodging expenses for program participants. 

“School of Fish is designed to expose STEM-focused students from diverse backgrounds to IP law, which historically lacks diversity across many metrics,” said Ahmed J. Davis, principal and national chair of Fish's Diversity & Inclusion initiative. “As a premier IP firm, it’s incumbent upon us to open doors of opportunity by proactively exposing, recruiting, and developing the next generation of diverse IP practitioners and leaders. I’m excited to be a part of this inaugural education program and connect with promising students about the career opportunities within IP.” 

IP law combines cutting-edge science and technology with business acumen and dynamic legal strategy. Whether resolving complex patent disputes, creating new trademarks, or advising on copyright issues, IP law calls for attorneys who are technically minded, scientifically literate, and up to date on the latest innovations and technologies. The School of Fish program seeks to ensure the next generation of STEM-focused students have the opportunity to explore this challenging and rewarding industry.  

More information about candidate qualifications is available here.

To apply, complete the application by July 31.