Law Internships: Timing Your Application Perfectly

The best time to apply for law internships depends on the specific opportunity and the preferences of the hiring organization. Many internships have set application deadlines, which are crucial to keep in mind. For example, the State of California's Department of Justice sets specific deadlines for its various internship programs, such as the Correctional Law Section in Los Angeles, which accepts applications on a rolling basis for Summer 2025 until March 14, 2025. On the other hand, some internships, like the Legal Services of Northern California's 10-week, full-time law student internship, do not specify a deadline, but it is always advantageous to apply as early as possible. The American Bar Association (ABA) also offers internships and clerkships for young lawyers and law students, with varying deadlines, such as the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP), which had a deadline of January 6, 2023. It is worth noting that some organizations, like the United States Department of Justice, offer internships to graduating law students who are entering a full-time judicial clerkship, graduate law program, or qualifying fellowship. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each internship program before applying.

When to apply for summer internships

The time to apply for summer internships in law varies depending on the specific opportunity and organisation. Here is a guide to help you understand the general timeline for applications:

Start Early

It is beneficial to start the process early, as some law internships have deadlines as early as December or January for summer positions. These deadlines are often for internships with specific eligibility criteria, such as those aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds. For example, the Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) is a six-week summer internship for diverse law students interested in legal research and writing for judges. Their deadline for applications was January 6, 2023.

Spring Applications

Many organisations begin accepting applications for summer internships during the spring, with deadlines falling between March and May. For instance, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office accepts applications for its summer law clerk internship on a rolling basis, but the final deadline is April 1.

Rolling Applications

Some organisations accept applications on a rolling basis, which means there is no set deadline. Instead, they consider applications as they are received and continue to do so until the position is filled. For example, the US Department of Justice's Summer Law Intern-Pathways/Law Clerk position accepts applications on a rolling basis, but encourages applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Deadlines Vary

It is important to note that deadlines can vary significantly, even within the same organisation. For example, the State of California Department of Justice has various summer internship opportunities, with deadlines ranging from December of the previous year to April of that year.

Therefore, it is essential to research the specific deadlines for your desired internships and organisations. Starting early and staying organised can help ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities.

When to apply for spring internships

The recruitment period for most employers offering internships is between February and April, with popular application deadlines falling on March 15 and April 1. Summer internships typically run from after Memorial Day to early August.

For spring internships, the application deadlines vary depending on the specific program and organization. Some programs have a rolling application process, while others have set deadlines. For example, the State of California Department of Justice has various internship opportunities with different application deadlines. The Antitrust Law Section in Los Angeles and San Francisco, for instance, accepts spring internship applications on a rolling basis between September 1 and October 15. On the other hand, the Health, Education, and Welfare Section in Los Angeles and San Francisco set a deadline of November 10 for spring internship applications.

It is important to note that some organizations recruit for internships very early. Certain Fortune 500 companies start their recruitment for summer internships as early as the previous November. Therefore, it is advisable to start the application process early, especially for competitive internships or those with specific deadlines.

When applying for spring internships, it is essential to keep in mind that the application deadlines for these positions may vary and that some organizations operate on a rolling basis, accepting applications until the positions are filled. It is always beneficial to review the specific requirements and deadlines for each internship program before submitting your application.

When to apply for fall internships

It's never too early to start thinking about your future career in law. University years are crucial for gaining real-world professional experience through internships, which can be a game-changer in today's competitive job market.

Research and Planning

Use the early summer months to research and identify the different internship roles that interest you. Consider the type of work experience you want and the kind of internship that will best prepare you for your legal career. The more internship applications you send out, the more opportunities you'll have.

Create a calendar with a list of application requirements and deadlines to stay organized and ensure you don't miss any crucial dates.

Timing

Most internship programs have strict deadlines, so it's important to apply on time. For fall internships, applying early, around May or June, is a great way to ensure you're in the running for the most competitive internships.

Some programs, like The Intern Group, accept applications on a rolling basis, but even with these, it's highly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Early applications often receive primary consideration for the most sought-after roles.

If you apply later, in July or August, you may still be able to submit your application, but places might be limited.

Interviews

Once you submit your application, be prepared for a potential interview. During the interview, an admissions officer will likely ask about your background, experience, goals, and motivations.

Deadlines

Fall internship opportunities can fill up fast, so it's crucial to keep an eye on deadlines. Mark these dates in your calendar and set reminders to ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities.

Destinations

There are fall internship opportunities available in various destinations, including remote options and in-person internships around the world. For example, The Intern Group offers internships in leading global cities, such as Madrid, London, Dublin, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York City.

Fields

Fall internships are available in a multitude of fields, including law, business, fashion, theatre, music, art, journalism, PR and marketing, media and publishing, government, politics, NGO and non-profit, engineering, medical, science, human resources, IT, and real estate.

So, if you're wondering when to apply for a fall internship, the answer is: why not now? Applying early boosts your chances of securing a career-boosting opportunity.

When to apply for year-round internships

When to Apply for Year-Round Law Internships

While summer internships are the most common for law students, year-round internships are also available and may be less competitive. The application process and timing depend on the specific internship and organisation offering the position.

Year-Round Law Internships

Year-round internships are a great opportunity for law students to gain experience and build their resumes. These internships can provide valuable insights into the legal profession and allow students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

Application Timing

The application timing for year-round internships varies. Some organisations may have set application deadlines, while others may accept applications on a rolling basis. It's important to research the specific internships you're interested in and plan your applications accordingly.

Research and Planning

Researching potential internships is crucial. Many organisations, such as the American Bar Association, offer internships throughout the year, providing diverse opportunities for students. Additionally, checking job boards like Indeed.com can help identify year-round legal internships.

Application Process

The application process for year-round internships is generally similar to that of summer internships. Students are often required to submit resumes, transcripts, and other supporting documents. Some internships may also require interviews, either in person or remotely.

Staying Informed

Staying informed about available internships is essential. Students should regularly check job boards, follow organisations of interest, and sign up for notifications or newsletters to stay updated on upcoming opportunities.

Taking Advantage of Opportunities

Applying for year-round internships can provide unique advantages. These internships may offer more specialised experiences or allow students to work with specific departments or practice areas that align with their interests.

In conclusion, applying for year-round law internships requires a proactive approach. Students should regularly seek out opportunities, stay informed about deadlines, and carefully prepare their applications to increase their chances of securing a valuable internship experience.

When to apply for rolling admissions internships

When it comes to law internships, many offices accept applications on a rolling basis. This means that they review applications as they come in and continue to do so until the position is filled. As such, it is generally a good idea to apply for rolling admissions internships several months in advance of the semester you'd like to intern in. The earlier you apply, the earlier your application will be reviewed, and the higher your chances of securing the position.

For example, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accepts internship applications on a rolling basis and encourages students to apply a few months before the semester they wish to intern in. Similarly, companies like Amazon, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), and Raytheon Technologies Corporation recruit interns on a rolling basis and advise students to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of being hired.

In the context of law school applications, "rolling admissions" refers to the process where law schools fill spots as they receive applications. Therefore, submitting your application earlier in the admissions cycle will put you in a better position. For instance, the University of Washington recommends submitting law school applications between late November and early to mid-January.

So, if you're interested in a law internship with rolling admissions, be sure to keep an eye out for application openings and submit your application as early as possible to improve your chances of being selected.

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