JD/MSE Forum

[meshoema]

My law school offers a duel degree program where I can obtain a JD as well as a MASTER OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING at the same time by taking additional courses in the summer terms. I have a BSEE and want to go into patent law. I already have a masters in legal studies as well. However, I do not have any patent procession work experience. My work history mainly consists of military and engineering. Therefore, I was wondering if anyone had any insight as to whether the additional masters degree would give me an advance in the patent prosecution career field after I graduate. I would still be able to complete my JD/MS in 3 years. So my time in school is not extended. But, the catch is that I would have to take summer courses which would limit my availability for internships. Therefore, I was wondering what is valued more in patent world: a patent related internship during the summer terms of law school, or obtaining a MASTER OF ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING and doing a local clerkship.

Keep in mind, I am attending a law school in a rural area and have limited options of doing both....

I would greatly appreciate any related advice!

[Future Ex-Engineer]

Not sure why you CAPS LOCKED THE MASTERS DEGREE, but FWIW, I have an MSEE, and in all of my interviews (mostly T14) thus far, it has been noted as making me highly desirable/competitive for patent/IP work post-law school.

[floatie]

But, the catch is that I would have to take summer courses which would limit my availability for internships.

This is problematic. Can you afford to take 4 years for the dual degree and leave your summers open for internships? That would be your best option.

[meshoema]

Not sure why you CAPS LOCKED THE MASTERS DEGREE, but FWIW, I have an MSEE, and in all of my interviews (mostly T14) thus far, it has been noted as making me highly desirable/competitive for patent/IP work post-law school.

Thank you for your response! I didn't mean anything by making the masters degree in all caps. Sorry!

[goldenbear2020]

You could just take summer classes after 1L and 3L, but you definitely need to leave 2L summer open for a summer associate position at a law firm, since that will 99% end up being your full-time offer.

[androstan]

You could just take summer classes after 1L and 3L, but you definitely need to leave 2L summer open for a summer associate position at a law firm, since that will 99% end up being your full-time offer.

Yes. Ideally you'd get the msece and do at least a 2l summer associate gig. 1l summer helps too. I'd take four years and do both rather than have to choose.