At Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP, we are proud to stand at the forefront of Tribal advocacy. Our summer program offers law students the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys on meaningful matters that directly impact Tribal nations and communities. Clerks gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and insight into the practice of Tribal and Federal Indian law in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is a national law firm dedicated to the representation of American Indian tribes and organizations. We provide legal counsel across a broad spectrum of services including business transactions, litigation, and governmental affairs in tribal, state, and federal forums.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for our 10-12 week Summer 2027 Law Clerk position in our Louisville, Colorado office. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, in-person clerkship.

What to Expect
As a Summer Law Clerk, you will become an integral part of our legal team. You can expect to:

Work directly with attorneys on both litigation and transactional matters, contributing to active client files.
Gain exposure to a wide range of issues impacting Tribal Nations, including sovereignty, jurisdiction, child welfare, natural resources, governance, and business matters.
Conduct legal research and draft high-quality work product, including research memoranda, motions, briefs, contracts, and other legal documents.
Observe and participate in legal practice by attending hearings, client meetings, negotiations, and internal strategy sessions when available.
Develop professionally through mentorship, feedback, and opportunities to discuss career paths and experiences with attorneys who are leaders in their field.
Contribute meaningfully to projects that support the Firm’s mission of advancing and protecting the rights of Tribal Nations and their citizens.

Required Qualifications:

Completion of 2L year by Summer 2027
Completion of Native American Law coursework prior to the start of the clerkship
Strong legal research skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills

Desired Qualifications:

Demonstrated interest in practicing Tribal Law and Federal Indian Law
Familiarity with Tribal communities, cultures, or governments
Prior experience working with Native Nations or organizations serving Indigenous peoples

Compensation: The expected hourly range for this position is $36.00 – $49.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s work location, experience, qualifications, and skills.

Application Requirements:

Resume
Cover Letter
Legal writing sample
Law school transcript

Applications accepted through September 21, 2026.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site