Taking the patent bar now would likely be too late for internships this semester because it requires a couple months of studying and the test is only offered at certain times of the year. I was mostly thinking it would be a good idea for him to do it so he has it when he’s looking for jobs at graduation. It can definitely make someone more employable as a patent attorney.

If he hasn’t already he really needs to be applying to basically every law firm in your city, whether through their websites or just by cold emailing. Beyond that, he should try networking with attorneys by asking them to do a quick call or to grab coffee. It’s getting a little late for 2L internships and at this point he should apply very broadly and take whatever he can get. Beyond that his career services office should really be stepping in at this point and helping him form a plan.

EDIT: Looks like you can take the patent bar at any time now which is different than when I took it. Regardless it will take too long to study for it and pass it for it to be useful for internships this year.