Law Clerk

** These positions are projected to start November 2, 2026. **

** A separate written statement is required as part of your application. **

Are you looking to start your legal career in public service, while advancing American innovation? Come join our team at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)! We're seeking Law Clerks in the Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks, Trademark Examining Groups for applicants seeking an Attorney Advisor position who: currently have a Juris Doctor (JD), and either have plans to sit for the bar or are awaiting results from the bar.

Duties

This rewarding opportunity is ideal for you if you:

• Are committed to being responsible for the complete ex parte examination of applications for the registration of trademarks to ensure compliance with the Trademark Act of 1946 and related statutes.
• Are excited to conduct preliminary review of applications which may pose complex factual and legal questions; analyze the record; evaluate facts; and determine questions of law.
• Have experience recommending approval of a mark for publication for opposition or draft the final position of the Agency.
• Are a collaborative relationship builder who looks forward to meeting with counsel in order to resolve issues that arise during examination.
• Are interested in preparing cases for ex parte appeal to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
• Have experience exploring alternative work methods and providing feedback to management on their effects on examination tools and performance.
• Are looking for an opportunity to test new technologies by assisting in the evaluation of innovative tools for trademark examination, such as artificial intelligence.
• Are committed to taking part in trials of new work structures and processes, while offering recommendations to management for streamlining operations and resolving issues.

>> APPLY on USAJOBS by 6/26/2026

>> LEARN MORE about the USPTO's comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

To be eligible for this position, you must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Meet the following education requirement: possess Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school (with active plans to sit for the Bar of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court Under the Constitution).

As part of your application, you must submit a separate written statement addressing ALL of the following topics that reference specific work, volunteer and educational experiences, and/or activities that demonstrate your qualifications. The requirements for the written statement can be found under the "How you will be evaluated" section of the job announcement.

Education

To meet minimum eligibility requirements for this position, applicants must possess at least a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA accredited law school.

Conditions of employment

Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals and your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies. If selected, you will be required to pass a background investigation.

The full list of conditions and qualifications can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.