Keenfootwear

Legal Intern

Portland, OR Full Time

Are you passionate about sandals, boots, and everything in between? Do you live and breathe sustainability? Do you have a creative eye, a hunger to learn, and a KEEN interest in the outdoor industry? If you said yes to any of the above, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Position: Legal Intern
Location: KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (on-site)
Duration: 10 weeks
Compensation: $22/hour
Program Duration: Monday, June 15th – Friday, August 21st (flexible start/end dates depending on school schedules)

What You'll Do

As an Intern at KEEN (KEENtern), you’ll dive into the exciting world of footwear, innovation, and community! You’ll get hands-on experience working alongside industry experts and contribute to shaping the future of KEEN.

This role offers hands-on experience with the inner workings of an agile in-house legal department. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Legal, the KEEN Legal Intern (KEENtern) will learn how a mission-driven business collaborates, protects its ideas, and navigates the global legal landscape. As part of our small but high-impact team, this KEENtern will help support contracts, intellectual property, brand protection, regulatory compliance, corporate maintenance, and the many other legal considerations required to support an innovative and purpose-driven global footwear company. This internship is ideal for students who are thinking about a career as in-house legal counsel.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Participate in product innovation meetings to discuss potential new patents.
  • Conduct name clearance searches.
  • File trademark renewals with the USPTO.
  • Attend patent and trademark review meetings with outside counsel.
  • Review and redline routine contracts.
  • Complete ad hoc projects based on business needs.
  • Shadow legal department staff during various meetings with key internal stakeholders.
  • Perform legal research.
  • Perform administrative and other tasks as necessary.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking someone who embodies our passion for creativity, sustainability, and the great outdoors. Our ideal KEENtern is:

  • Passionate: Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, committed to sustainability, or fascinated by footwear trends and innovation, you’re excited to engage with the world around you.
  • Creatively Minded: You’re detail-oriented, love bringing fresh ideas to life, and have a knack for solving problems.
  • A Strong Communicator: Whether it’s collaborating with a team or presenting ideas, you know how to express yourself clearly and effectively.
  • Proactive & Eager to Learn: You’re curious, ready to ask questions, take initiative, and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm.

Why Intern with Us?

Being a KEENtern means you’re not just an intern—you’re a valued part of our KEEN community. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Meaningful Work: Tackle real-world projects that make an impact, gaining valuable hands-on experience at a globally recognized brand.
  • Collaborative Environment: Partner with talented teammates and work on in a group project with other KEENterns.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build connections with industry experts and mentors who can help shape your career.
  • Perks & Benefits: Enjoy product discounts, a subsidized cafeteria, and an inspiring workspace.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Immerse yourself in Portland – a vibrant city nestled between the mountains and the coast – a hub for all things outdoors, such as hiking, biking, rafting, camping, and climbing.

Program Requirements:

To qualify for this internship, you must:

  • Have completed your 1L year of law school prior to the start of the internship
  • Be eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Submit a cover letter
  • Commit to a 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August
  • Dedicate 40 hours per week during standard M-F, PST working hours
  • All roles are located in Portland, OR. Must be able to move to Portland during the duration of the internship if you are not already living here.
  • Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship
  • Intermediate Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel skills.
  • Able to learn new software programs quickly.
  • High level of communication skills.
  • Can work independently and on deadline.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to take your passions to the next level and be part of a world-class team, please apply.

Other Requirements

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

Fuerst Group, KEEN and Chrome are equal opportunity employers.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.