3 answers
Ryen
Student
Santa Clara, California
1
Question
Updated
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How should I start to foster my interest in law outside of apps and LSAT studying?
I am a current junior in undergrad, and I am starting to prepare for the LSAT and law school applications, but I'm wondering how I can express my passions in extracurricular activities and volunteering. I don't care too much about impressing schools or beefing up my resume it is more for personal interest and getting a taste of the field in general.
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ryen !
It is so wonderful that you are motivated to do volunteer work for the experience which will greatly enhance the education you're getting at college.
There are a few great places in your area that may have high possibilities for doing legal volunteer work. Go to their websites for their addresses and I would advise visiting them in person. The places you should connect with are Senior Adults Legal Assistance, Bay Area Legal Aid Santa Clara County, Asian Law Alliance, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County Law Library, the Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center at Santa Clara University, Mills Legal Clinic at Stanford University, the Step Forward Foundation, and the India Community Center Free Legal Clinic in Milpitas.
I am not sure what type of actual work they would give you to do but initially you can ask to do screening of clients or research. Talk with them about the actual work you would do and tell them what things you know how to do already. I think you're ready for more than clerical or answering phones. Tell them your skills and if you have a resume, bring it with you to give to them.
If you qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid, apply for it next Fall and choose the Work Study option. This would be a job that you can obtain through financial aid to work on campus at a department or building you like. Speak with the Financial Aid office on your campus for details about this opportunity. You would get paid through financial aid, not the college.
Create a Linked In profile and connect with and or follow some attorney offices in your area. You can message them about possible volunteer work.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It is so wonderful that you are motivated to do volunteer work for the experience which will greatly enhance the education you're getting at college.
There are a few great places in your area that may have high possibilities for doing legal volunteer work. Go to their websites for their addresses and I would advise visiting them in person. The places you should connect with are Senior Adults Legal Assistance, Bay Area Legal Aid Santa Clara County, Asian Law Alliance, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara County Law Library, the Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center at Santa Clara University, Mills Legal Clinic at Stanford University, the Step Forward Foundation, and the India Community Center Free Legal Clinic in Milpitas.
I am not sure what type of actual work they would give you to do but initially you can ask to do screening of clients or research. Talk with them about the actual work you would do and tell them what things you know how to do already. I think you're ready for more than clerical or answering phones. Tell them your skills and if you have a resume, bring it with you to give to them.
If you qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid, apply for it next Fall and choose the Work Study option. This would be a job that you can obtain through financial aid to work on campus at a department or building you like. Speak with the Financial Aid office on your campus for details about this opportunity. You would get paid through financial aid, not the college.
Create a Linked In profile and connect with and or follow some attorney offices in your area. You can message them about possible volunteer work.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Ryen,
You are completely right to be thinking beyond just the LSAT and applications to truly immerse yourself in the field of law. One of the best ways to foster your interest and get a real feel for legal work is by volunteering or interning as a paralegal or legal assistant. These roles give you exposure to everyday legal processes, from drafting documents to helping prepare cases, and can offer invaluable insight into how law works in practice.
To get started, you might reach out to local law firms, nonprofit legal aid organizations, or even your university’s pre-law or career center to see if they have openings for volunteers or interns. Many organizations are eager to bring on motivated students who are willing to learn, even if your involvement is part-time or unpaid. This kind of experience will not only deepen your understanding but also help you develop practical skills like legal research, case management, and client communication.
Beyond volunteering and/or interning, you could also attend court hearings, join law-related clubs or societies on campus, or participate in moot court or debate teams—these activities will further enrich your appreciation for the law and help you engage with the community. The key is to seek hands-on or observational experiences that allow you to connect the theory you’re studying with real-world application.
Other positions that are not directly law related but show initiative and work that benefits the community can also look great on your applicaiton. For example, fundraising for a non profit, tutoring younger students, or volunteering in a non-profit in a specific area you are passionate about - maybe environmental protection, or fighiting poverty, or human rights in general. Those types of engagements with the community also look great on an application.
Good luck!
You are completely right to be thinking beyond just the LSAT and applications to truly immerse yourself in the field of law. One of the best ways to foster your interest and get a real feel for legal work is by volunteering or interning as a paralegal or legal assistant. These roles give you exposure to everyday legal processes, from drafting documents to helping prepare cases, and can offer invaluable insight into how law works in practice.
To get started, you might reach out to local law firms, nonprofit legal aid organizations, or even your university’s pre-law or career center to see if they have openings for volunteers or interns. Many organizations are eager to bring on motivated students who are willing to learn, even if your involvement is part-time or unpaid. This kind of experience will not only deepen your understanding but also help you develop practical skills like legal research, case management, and client communication.
Beyond volunteering and/or interning, you could also attend court hearings, join law-related clubs or societies on campus, or participate in moot court or debate teams—these activities will further enrich your appreciation for the law and help you engage with the community. The key is to seek hands-on or observational experiences that allow you to connect the theory you’re studying with real-world application.
Other positions that are not directly law related but show initiative and work that benefits the community can also look great on your applicaiton. For example, fundraising for a non profit, tutoring younger students, or volunteering in a non-profit in a specific area you are passionate about - maybe environmental protection, or fighiting poverty, or human rights in general. Those types of engagements with the community also look great on an application.
Good luck!
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
224
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Ryen: Michelle's answer hits all the important stuff. However, if you want to go into law I'd suggest going to the local courthouse and try to volunteer. If that fails, watch a few lawyers and see which ones you like and try to volunteer there. From the tone of your question it looks like you want to get your feet wet and test the waters of law. If so, law is a multi-dimensional job. Covers a lot of fields.
Michelle's answer gives a good number of clinics you can volunteer at. Try that. Clinics can be heart breaking because some of the cases are tough but it is a good way to get your feet wet.
If all else fails, find a cause you believe in. Volunteer there and try to get involved in the legal side of stuff. Right now in California there are a lot of ICE things going on. et involved in whatever side you think is right and watch from the inside!
Good luck.
Michelle's answer gives a good number of clinics you can volunteer at. Try that. Clinics can be heart breaking because some of the cases are tough but it is a good way to get your feet wet.
If all else fails, find a cause you believe in. Volunteer there and try to get involved in the legal side of stuff. Right now in California there are a lot of ICE things going on. et involved in whatever side you think is right and watch from the inside!
Good luck.