Anaya Nolan
If you're an undergraduate student considering a career in law, you may be wondering if you can intern at a law firm. The answer is yes, many law firms offer internships for undergraduates. These internships can provide valuable experience and help you build essential skills. However, finding the right internship can be challenging. Most large law firms don't offer legal internships for undergrads, so you may have more luck with smaller firms or legal departments in government agencies, non-profits, or corporations. Networking is crucial, and you should also craft a compelling application that showcases your interest and qualifications. Law internships are not mandatory for law school, but they can give you a better understanding of the legal field and help you explore your career options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To gain experience and exposure to the legal profession, build skills, and boost your resume |
| Work Performed | Complicated legal work under supervision, drafting documents, research, preparing and organizing files, interacting with clients |
| Availability | Paid and unpaid internships are available; paid internships are harder to find |
| Application Process | Resume, cover letter, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and tailoring applications to specific internships |
| Interview Preparation | Dress professionally, prepare for common interview questions |
| Networking | Cold-calling, contacting alumni, instructors, and local legal organizations, attending career fairs and legal events |
| Firm Size | Smaller firms are more likely to offer internships to undergraduates |
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What You'll Learn
- Internship search tips: Use undergraduate as a keyword, target specific locations, and go directly to company websites
- Application process: Include a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Tailor each application and submit before the deadline
- Interview preparation: Dress professionally and prepare for common interview questions
- Small firms: These are more likely to offer internships to undergraduates and may be more flexible
- Alternative options: Consider government agencies, non-profits, and international organisations
Internship search tips: Use undergraduate as a keyword, target specific locations, and go directly to company websites
Yes, you can intern at a law firm as an undergraduate. An undergraduate legal internship can provide you with valuable exposure to the legal profession, allowing you to develop skills and explore career options.
Use "Undergraduate" as a Keyword
When searching for internship opportunities, use the term "undergraduate" in your queries. This will help you find positions specifically tailored for students who are currently pursuing their degrees. Websites like Indeed.com offer search filters that allow you to specify your educational level, making it easier to find internships suitable for undergraduates.
Target Specific Locations
Consider your preferred locations for the internship. You can focus on your hometown, the town where you attend school, or other areas of interest. Targeting specific locations will help you narrow down your search and identify law firms that align with your preferences.
Leverage Your School's Career Center
Your school's career center can be a valuable resource. They often have connections with local attorneys, alumni, and companies that are willing to work with undergraduate interns. Reach out to the career center to inquire about internship opportunities, mentorship programs, or alumni networks that can facilitate your search.
Go Directly to Company Websites
Visit the websites of law firms, especially those in your target locations. Many companies post internship opportunities directly on their websites, along with application instructions. By going directly to the source, you can learn about their current openings and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company.
Additional Tips:
- Network and Ask for Referrals: Let your friends and family know that you are seeking an internship. Utilize your school's pre-law programs or advisors to gain referrals and insights into potential firms or attorneys looking for interns.
- Cold-Calling and Emailing: Don't be afraid to cold-call or email law firms to inquire about internship opportunities. This proactive approach demonstrates your enthusiasm and initiative.
- Volunteer at University Law Clinics: Consider volunteering at a law clinic within your university's law school. This can provide you with valuable experience and connections, even if it's just a few hours a week.
- Start Your Search Early: Internships can be competitive, so begin your search well in advance. For summer internships, you may need to apply up to six months in advance. This gives you more time to consider your options and demonstrates your proactive nature.
- Utilize Online Platforms: Explore internship websites like Indeed.com, Y Combinator's job board, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google Jobs. These platforms offer a wide range of opportunities, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Remember, finding an undergraduate internship at a law firm is a great way to gain experience and explore the legal field. Stay proactive, utilize your resources, and don't hesitate to reach out and showcase your enthusiasm. Good luck with your internship search!
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Application process: Include a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Tailor each application and submit before the deadline
The application process for a law internship can be competitive, so it's important to make sure your application stands out. Here are some tips to help you through the process:
Resume
Your resume is a crucial part of your application. It should be concise and well-written, summarising your experience and highlighting your accomplishments. Include any relevant company and industry experience, as well as your greatest achievements. If you have any certifications, be sure to mention them, specifying the full name of the certification, the organisation that issued it, and when you obtained it. You can also mention any relevant technical skills and software you are proficient in, such as advanced MS Office and Excel.
Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your pitch to the law firm, so it's important to draft it carefully. It should be written in the body of the email, rather than attached as a separate document. Address it to a specific person, such as the recruitment head or internship coordinator, and be sure to proofread for spelling and grammar. Keep the language simple and easy to understand, avoiding legal jargon.
Transcripts
Include transcripts that showcase your academic achievements and qualifications. If you are still studying, include your current transcript and highlight any relevant modules or projects you are working on.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can strengthen your application. Consider asking professors you have worked closely with, such as those you have taken classes with or been a research assistant for. If you have previously interned or volunteered at a law firm, you can also ask a staff attorney or supervisor for a letter of recommendation.
Tailoring Your Application
Take the time to tailor your application to each law firm you are applying to. Highlight specific achievements and skills that align with the firm's practice areas and values. For example, if you are applying to an IP law firm, emphasise any achievements in the field of IP.
Meeting Deadlines
Finally, make sure to submit your application before the deadline. This demonstrates your commitment and helps ensure your application will be considered.
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Interview preparation: Dress professionally and prepare for common interview questions
Interview Preparation
Dress Professionally
First impressions are important, so it is always good to dress professionally and take the interview seriously. Research the company culture and dress code beforehand to get a sense of what is appropriate. If you are interviewing for a law firm internship, you may need to wear a suit. However, if the firm has a more casual dress code, business casual attire may be more appropriate. Regardless of the dress code, make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and fit well. Pay attention to your personal grooming and keep your accessories and jewelry simple and understated.
Prepare for Common Interview Questions
In addition to dressing professionally, it is important to prepare for common interview questions. Here are some questions that may be asked during a law firm internship interview:
- "Tell me about yourself."
- "How would you contribute to our office's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging?"
- "Describe a complex legal issue you've worked on."
- "How would you approach a client who is unhappy with a judge's ruling?"
- "What would you do if you had to take on a case that went against your values?"
- "Which area of law is the most interesting to you and why?"
- "Tell me about your hardest law school exam question."
- "How do you hope to serve your clients and the community?"
- "What kind of experience have you had that would prepare you for this role?"
- "Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and how you dealt with it."
When answering these questions, be sure to provide specific examples and elaborate on your prior professional experiences. It is also important to research the firm and be able to articulate why you are a good fit for the internship.
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Small firms: These are more likely to offer internships to undergraduates and may be more flexible
While it can be challenging to secure a legal internship as an undergraduate, small law firms are more likely to offer internships to undergraduates and may be more flexible.
Most large law firms do not offer legal internships for undergrads, so it is advisable to consider smaller law firms, government agencies, non-profits, and legal departments. These smaller firms tend to be less formal and may be more willing to take on interns, creating a custom program for them. A firm with only one or a few lawyers may be eager for the extra help that an intern can provide.
Networking is critical to securing an internship at a small law firm. You can start by letting your friends and family know that you are looking for an internship, as they may have connections to lawyers or firms. You can also attend legal events, seminars, and workshops to meet professionals in the field. Utilise your school's career centre, which may have connections to local attorneys or alumni who are attorneys and are eager to work with undergraduate interns.
Another option is to contact small, local firms directly, either through email or by cold-calling. You can also ask your instructors if they know of any opportunities or attend career fairs. When applying, ensure that you craft a compelling application, including a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and possibly letters of recommendation. Tailor your application to the specific internship and organisation, and submit it well before the deadline.
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Alternative options: Consider government agencies, non-profits, and international organisations
While law firms are a popular choice for internships, there are several other paths you can take as an undergraduate to gain legal experience. Government agencies, non-profits, and international organisations offer internships that provide valuable insights into the legal field.
Government Agencies
Federal agencies and departments in the United States, such as the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, Immigration Courts, and the Attorney General's Honors Program, offer both paid and volunteer internships to undergraduates. These internships allow students to explore Federal careers, gain work experience, and develop their skills. Some internships even qualify for course credit or work-study programs. The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is a competitive recruitment program for compensated summer internships with the U.S. Department of Justice, which is open to undergraduates.
Non-Profits
Non-profit organisations, such as the ACLU, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., and the National Women's Law Center, offer legal internships for undergraduates. These internships often focus on specific areas of interest, such as gender justice, LGBTQ+ rights, privacy protections, and more. Some non-profit internships are paid, while others may offer stipends or course credit.
International Organisations
International organisations, such as the United Nations' International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT), offer legal internships to gain experience in international law. IRMCT internships provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the operations of an international criminal tribunal and assist judges during hearings. There is no age restriction for IRMCT internships, making them accessible to undergraduates.
These alternative options provide diverse opportunities for undergraduates to gain legal experience and explore different areas of law. They offer a chance to work in a variety of legal settings and make valuable connections in the field.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can intern at a law firm as an undergraduate. Many law firms offer internships for pre-law students to assist with legal research, administrative tasks, and gain exposure to different practice areas. However, most large law firms don't offer legal internships for undergrads, so consider looking at legal internships at government agencies, non-profits, and smaller law firms.
The first step to finding an internship is letting friends, family, and your school's career centre know that you're looking for one. You can also try cold-calling or emailing small law firms in your area. Additionally, you can search for internships on large job boards like Handshake, Google, or LinkedIn, or on niche job boards like Idealist or Tom Manatos Job List.
Crafting a compelling application is crucial. Your application typically includes a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and possibly letters of recommendation. Tailor each application to the specific internship and organisation, and submit your applications well before the deadlines. If your application impresses, you may be invited for an interview, so prepare for common interview questions and dress professionally.
