3 answers
Maddie
Student
Portland, Oregon
3
Questions
Updated
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How should I find summer law internships as an undergraduate student with an atypical summer break?
I'm doing my undergraduate degree internationally so my summer break is from late July-late September. Unfortunately most internships are from June-August. Any tips on finding things that don't work on a set schedule?
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2 answers
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
25
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
Hi Maddie,
I would say that it might require a little bit of research, and probably a lot of reaching out, but you probably will find more easily an internship not on a set schedule with smaller law firms probably with less than 50 employees.
With a small law firm, you probably will work directly with one or two lawyers, there won't be a full recruitment, or a "class of students" that are interning with you. It would be probably just you there as they might not hire than many interns anyway.
I think that would be your best chance to having a more flexible internship period, as you could discuss directly with the person hiring you if that is an option that works for them as they will be working directly with you.
Hope this helps you out.
Good luck!
I would say that it might require a little bit of research, and probably a lot of reaching out, but you probably will find more easily an internship not on a set schedule with smaller law firms probably with less than 50 employees.
With a small law firm, you probably will work directly with one or two lawyers, there won't be a full recruitment, or a "class of students" that are interning with you. It would be probably just you there as they might not hire than many interns anyway.
I think that would be your best chance to having a more flexible internship period, as you could discuss directly with the person hiring you if that is an option that works for them as they will be working directly with you.
Hope this helps you out.
Good luck!
Thank you so much!
Maddie
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
92
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Maddie,
I second smaller firms for a couple reasons. First, they may have more flexibility since they're unlikely to have a rigid summer program where everyone starts and ends at the same time. Second, summer law internship opportunities are kind of rare for undergraduate students anyway, but you may find smaller and boutique firms occasionally do hire temp or part-time legal assistant positions.
You could also see if any of state and county courts might host undergraduate students (also rare, but not unheard of!). If all else fails, I would suggest seeking law-adjacent internships so you're still gaining experience and being productive during your summer break.
I second smaller firms for a couple reasons. First, they may have more flexibility since they're unlikely to have a rigid summer program where everyone starts and ends at the same time. Second, summer law internship opportunities are kind of rare for undergraduate students anyway, but you may find smaller and boutique firms occasionally do hire temp or part-time legal assistant positions.
You could also see if any of state and county courts might host undergraduate students (also rare, but not unheard of!). If all else fails, I would suggest seeking law-adjacent internships so you're still gaining experience and being productive during your summer break.
Thank you so much!
Maddie