3 answers
Darcy
Student
Wilmington, Delaware
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to get law internships as a senior going into college #Spring25?
I'm going to Penn State as an undecided major but very interested in law and becoming a malpractice or cooperate lawyer. Any advice on how to get involved?
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3 answers
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
67
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Darcy! Good for you for thinking ahead. I think Dennis's suggestion about going to a courthouse and observing a case is great not only because it gives you an opportunity to figure out whether a specific practice area is something you would be interested in, but it also gives you a sense of whether you might enjoy being a litigator at all. The world of legal practice is generally divided into litigation or transactional work, some lawyers do both, but the vast majority focuses on one. That said, you certainly do not need to have that figured out prior to going to law school.
As for getting practical experience in either malpractice or corporate law, I would say law firms typically do not offer legal internships to undergrads, but some smaller firms might be open to hosting undergrad legal interns/assistants so it doesn't hurt to send inquiries to your local law firms. One of the boutique law firms I worked at post-law school hired a few undergrads as part-time legal assistants to handle client intake, billing, and document management (printing and scanning documents, preparing legal documents to be mailed to clients, etc.).
You can also consider volunteering at your local bar association--some might have specialty committees that might be of interest to you. The experience you get may vary with these opportunities, and though you might not be able to do substantive "legal" work, I think you might still benefit from building relationships with practicing attorneys in the fields you're interested in. Perhaps through your connections, you might even discover you have an interest in another practice area you had not considered before.
All the best!
As for getting practical experience in either malpractice or corporate law, I would say law firms typically do not offer legal internships to undergrads, but some smaller firms might be open to hosting undergrad legal interns/assistants so it doesn't hurt to send inquiries to your local law firms. One of the boutique law firms I worked at post-law school hired a few undergrads as part-time legal assistants to handle client intake, billing, and document management (printing and scanning documents, preparing legal documents to be mailed to clients, etc.).
You can also consider volunteering at your local bar association--some might have specialty committees that might be of interest to you. The experience you get may vary with these opportunities, and though you might not be able to do substantive "legal" work, I think you might still benefit from building relationships with practicing attorneys in the fields you're interested in. Perhaps through your connections, you might even discover you have an interest in another practice area you had not considered before.
All the best!
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
177
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Darcy:
Both those fields have a lot of sub - fields. Malpractice can be medical, dental, nurse, legal, etc. Corporations can be actions of a corporation., how to form a corporation. etc. So at this point, if I were you, I'd go into the closest Courthouse - State or Federal - and sit and watch for a bit. See if you can find a malpractice case going on and watch. During a break as the Court clerk who the best malpractice attorney is in his/her opinion. Clerks usually know - they see more stuff than most - and go to that office and ask for an internship. I'd also go to google and look up malpractice attorneys neaar you and go into that office. Remember, have a resume prepared and tell them your goals.
You might also consider going to the Judge hearing a malpractice case. Ask him/her if you can intern there. That might help in later years in law school when you start looking for work.
Years ago when I was in college I ran into this young Senator named Joe Biden who gave me guidence and help. He lives near Wilmington. I am sure he'd get you an internship in his organization. Don't be shy about asking. Good luck!
Both those fields have a lot of sub - fields. Malpractice can be medical, dental, nurse, legal, etc. Corporations can be actions of a corporation., how to form a corporation. etc. So at this point, if I were you, I'd go into the closest Courthouse - State or Federal - and sit and watch for a bit. See if you can find a malpractice case going on and watch. During a break as the Court clerk who the best malpractice attorney is in his/her opinion. Clerks usually know - they see more stuff than most - and go to that office and ask for an internship. I'd also go to google and look up malpractice attorneys neaar you and go into that office. Remember, have a resume prepared and tell them your goals.
You might also consider going to the Judge hearing a malpractice case. Ask him/her if you can intern there. That might help in later years in law school when you start looking for work.
Years ago when I was in college I ran into this young Senator named Joe Biden who gave me guidence and help. He lives near Wilmington. I am sure he'd get you an internship in his organization. Don't be shy about asking. Good luck!
Evan Johnson
M&A Lawyer
4
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Evan’s Answer
Hi Darcy,
I second Amber's suggestions to reach out to local small law firms to see if they would be willing to take on an undergraduate intern. Also, use your contacts to see if there might be any small companies that would be in need of assistance in their (often small) legal department. That worked for me! Good luck!
I second Amber's suggestions to reach out to local small law firms to see if they would be willing to take on an undergraduate intern. Also, use your contacts to see if there might be any small companies that would be in need of assistance in their (often small) legal department. That worked for me! Good luck!