Janice Lozano
There are a variety of ways to find a law student intern. Firstly, networking is key; attend events, join online groups, and connect with people in the industry. Law schools, universities, and legal institutions are a great place to start, as they often have law libraries that offer part-time jobs or internships. Large corporations with in-house legal teams, courts, and judicial chambers are also worth considering for hands-on experience. Additionally, look into pathway programs, which help undergraduates gain admission to law school. Government offices, including the Department of Justice, often offer internships, as do international organizations such as the United Nations. State and regional bar associations, such as the State Bar of California, also have internship programs. When applying, ensure your resume is tailored, error-free, and includes relevant law school subjects, awards, and honors. Be persistent and polite in your applications and interviews, and don't forget to follow up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of internship | Paid or unpaid |
| Internship duration | Summer, fall, spring, or year-round |
| Application requirements | Resume, cover letter, transcript, writing sample, online application form |
| Application timing | Deadlines vary; some accept on a rolling basis |
| Internship location | In-person or virtual |
| Internship focus | Criminal law, civil rights, corporate law, compliance, etc. |
| Internship providers | Courts, government offices, law firms, universities, international organizations, etc. |
| Selection criteria | Academic achievement, leadership, law review experience, moot court experience, clinic experience, extracurricular activities |
| Interview tips | Research the organization, dress appropriately, be punctual, be polite and humble |
| Additional considerations | Networking, persistence, and following up are key |
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What You'll Learn
Interning with a court or judge's chambers
Interning with a court or judges chambers
Internships with a court or a judge's chambers can provide law students with hands-on experience in the legal system and an opportunity to see first-hand how a courtroom works. These internships can lead to great recommendations from judges for post-graduate judicial clerkships, which are among the most prestigious employment opportunities for new attorneys.
Judicial internships can be full-time or part-time and usually take place during the summer or the academic year. Judges in federal and state courts, trial and appellate courts, all over the country hire judicial interns. The responsibilities assigned to a judicial intern will vary depending on the type of court and the caseload of the judge.
Duties of a trial court intern may include reviewing motions, researching the applicable law, and drafting memoranda to assist the judge with their decisions. They may also attend motion hearings or trials, interact with attorneys, parties, and witnesses, and assist with the research and drafting of the judge's opinions. Similarly, duties of an appellate court intern may include reviewing case records, researching the law, and drafting memoranda, as well as attending oral arguments and assisting with the research and drafting of opinions.
Students interested in judicial internships are urged to consider factors such as location when applying. Judges tend to look for clerks with ties to their local geographic region, often hoping to mentor a new attorney who will practice and get involved in the local legal community.
To apply for a judicial internship, students typically need to submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a short writing sample. The cover letter should explain the applicant's interest in the internship, their prior work experience, and why they are interested in working for that particular judge and court.
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Networking and searching corporate websites
Networking
Networking can be a useful tool to learn from professionals in the field. Speaking with lawyers and law professors can help you learn about their experiences and gain advice on how to get into the niche. You can also ask them about any internship opportunities they may know of. Be sure to follow up with a genuine and personal "thank you" note.
Searching Corporate Websites
Large corporations with in-house legal teams sometimes offer internships for law students to gain insight into corporate law and compliance. To find these opportunities, you can search corporate websites and use large job boards like Handshake, Google, or LinkedIn. When searching for internships as an undergraduate, use the keyword "undergraduate" to find relevant opportunities. You can also target a specific area or city, research the companies and organizations that operate there, and go directly to their websites to find nearby internships.
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Internships with international organisations
International internships can provide law students with valuable experience in a dynamic global environment, allowing them to develop their resumes and explore new career possibilities. These internships are often offered by large multinational corporations, international legal organisations, and even virtual internship programs.
Large Multinational Corporations
Large multinational companies, such as those on the Fortune 500 list, offer internships that provide real-world experience in an international setting. These internships can boost your resume and expose you to diverse cultures and working professionals. For example, Go Abroad China offers a paid internship program with Fortune 500 companies, providing an excellent opportunity to work with professionals from various countries.
International Legal Organisations
Some international legal organisations, such as the World Bank, offer legal internship programs at their headquarters in Washington, D.C., and selected country offices. These internships are typically three months long and are open to enrolled law school students. While the World Bank does not provide monetary compensation, interns may receive funding from their university or sponsoring organisation.
Virtual International Internships
Virtual internships allow you to gain international experience while working remotely from the comfort of your home. For example, The Intern Group offers a Digital Nomad program, enabling you to travel and work remotely internationally. Their virtual internship program includes a remote law internship with access to career advancement training and keynote career talks from global business leaders.
International Law Firms and Government Agencies
International law internships with law firms and government agencies can provide valuable experience in legal research and writing. These internships may involve monitoring courtroom sessions, researching human rights violations, and exploring labor market exploitation. CIEE, for instance, offers an extensive network of international internship programs that you can explore.
Preparation and Responsibilities
To prepare for an international law internship, it is essential to research the organisation's areas of practice and develop your legal writing and research skills. During the internship, your responsibilities may include preparing for legal proceedings, such as organising evidence, drafting documents, and collaborating with legal teams. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to attend client meetings and gain exposure to client interactions and the legal consultation process.
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Law school interview preparation
Know the Format
Firstly, it is important to know the format of the interview. Is it in-person or virtual? Is it live or pre-recorded? Knowing the format will help you prepare accordingly. For instance, if it is pre-recorded, you can prepare by recording yourself answering questions, as suggested by Michelle Martinez, a third-year law student at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
Research the School
You should research the school thoroughly, including its specific programs, research, employment outcomes, and faculty. You should also be well-versed in your application materials and resume, as interviewers may ask you questions based on these. Additionally, consider what you can bring to the law school community and how you can contribute to making it better.
Prepare Answers
Prepare answers to potential interview questions. Review the CDO's Sample Interview Questions and be ready to answer behavioural questions using the STAR method:
- Situation – describe the event or situation that you were in
- Task – explain the task and what you were trying to accomplish
- Action – describe the specific actions you took
- Result – explain the results and how your efforts contributed
Dress Appropriately
Your attire should be professional and conservative. Even if the interview is virtual, dress as you would for an in-person interview.
Ask Questions
Prepare at least two questions to ask the interviewer. These can be 'suck-up' questions, designed to showcase your knowledge, or 'softball' questions, which are more general. However, ensure your 'suck-up' question isn't easily answered through a simple online search.
Be Yourself
Remember, the interview is a conversation. Don't try to memorise lines, as this may make you sound stilted. It is okay to give yourself time to think and to admit if you're nervous. The interviewer wants to see that you can perform in an interview environment without panicking.
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Application and interview process
The application and interview process for law internships can be competitive and rigorous. Here are some steps and tips to guide you through the process:
Application:
- Research and networking: Begin by researching potential internship opportunities. Utilise resources such as law school professors, lawyers, and other professionals in your network. Inquire about their experiences, clients, struggles, and successes. Also, explore websites of corporations, courts, legal aid organisations, and law libraries for internship listings.
- Prepare your application materials: Develop a strong resume that highlights relevant law school subjects, awards, scholarships, and honours. Ensure it is free of typos and presents your qualifications effectively. Additionally, prepare a cover letter, transcript, and writing sample as per the requirements of the internship.
- Apply early: Many internships have specific application deadlines. For example, summer internships often have applications due in December or January. Check the deadlines for your desired internships and apply early to increase your chances of being considered.
Interview:
- Prepare thoroughly: If you are invited for an interview, congratulations! Now is the time to showcase your knowledge and enthusiasm. Research the firm, its clients, practice areas, and the lawyers you will be meeting. Dress appropriately in business attire and arrive on time.
- Demonstrate your fit: Interviews are not just about your skills but also your fit with the firm's culture. Be prepared to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and personal qualities. Consider what type of lawyer you want to become and how this internship aligns with your goals.
- Follow up: After the interview, remember to follow up diligently. Stay persistent yet polite. Impress the lawyers you meet, as they may become a valuable resource for future recommendations or job opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Law internships can be found at local courts, law schools, universities, and legal institutions. Large corporations with in-house legal teams, government officials, and international legal organizations also offer internships. Some organizations that offer internships include the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Networking is an important aspect of finding a law internship. Reach out to law school professors, lawyers, and other professionals in the field. Consult with them about their practice, clients, struggles, and successes. Research different areas of law and consider what kind of lawyer you want to become. This will help you decide which internships to apply for.
A law internship application typically requires a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample. Ensure that your resume is free of typos and includes any relevant law school subjects, awards, scholarships, and honors.
The interview process for law internships involves assessing whether the candidate is a good culture fit for the firm. It is important to show up on time, wear appropriate business attire, and be prepared. Research the firm, its clients, practice areas, and the lawyers you will be meeting.
