6 answers
Alexa
Student
Lake Grove, New York
2
Questions
Updated
839 views
How do I make the most of my internship?
Hello! I am a current high school senior, and I am interested in going to law school and pursuing a career in law! Right now, I am currently interning for my local courts. The primary thing that I do is observe court cases, and interact with court officials and employees. My question is, how do I make the most of my internship, and how can I make it beneficial in advancing my career goals? Are there any specific questions I should be asking or any specific things I should be doing?
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6 answers
Rajiv Kumta
Manager-Supply Chain and Transportation
8
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Rajiv’s Answer
Right now, you are sitting in a room where history, logic, and human drama collide daily. Simply sitting in the gallery and watching court cases is a good start, but it will not set you apart. To turn this internship into a launchpad for law school, you must actively analyze the courtroom, build strategic networks, and document your insights.
Here is your daily action plan to squeeze every ounce of value out of this experience.
1. Shift from "Watching" to "Analyzing"
Stop viewing court like a television drama. Start studying it like a chess match.
• Track the strategies: Do not just focus on who wins. Focus on how they build their arguments. Why did the judge rule against that specific objection? How did the attorney pivot when a witness changed their story?
• Study professional communication: Pay close attention to how seasoned lawyers command the room. Notice their body language, their vocal pacing, and how they simplify complex laws for a jury. Communication is a lawyer's sharpest weapon.
2. Master the "10-Minute Coffee Chat"
The professionals around you—attorneys, bailiffs, and court reporters—possess decades of unwritten knowledge. Use morning recesses or lunch breaks to request brief, 10-minute conversations.
• Ask the right questions: Avoid generic small talk. Instead, ask targeted questions:
o "If you were a college student today aiming for law school, what major or skill would you focus on developing?"
o "What is the most common mistake you see young attorneys make when presenting a case?"
o "What part of this job did law school completely fail to prepare you for?"
3. Build a Relationship with the Court Clerks
Many interns make the mistake of only trying to speak with judges. In reality, court clerks run the entire legal system. They manage the dockets, process the motions, and see every piece of evidence.
• Take Action: Ask a clerk if you can shadow them for just one hour to see how cases are organized behind the scenes. Understanding court administration now will make you a top-tier candidate for law clerk positions during college.
4. Build Your "Relationship Rolodex"
An internship does not end on your last day; it ends when you maintain the connections you made.
• Connect: During your final week, ask the professionals you bonded with if you can connect with them on LinkedIn to follow their careers.
• Follow Up: Send handwritten thank-you notes to anyone who gave you advice. Mention one specific thing they told you that stuck. A year from now, send them a quick email update on your college journey to keep that professional relationship alive.
Your Daily Challenge: Print out your Courtroom Observation Journal. Do not leave the courthouse today until you have written down at least one legal strategy you observed and asked one professional a direct question. Your legal career starts right now in that gallery.
Hope this helps!
Regards
Rajiv Kumta
Here is your daily action plan to squeeze every ounce of value out of this experience.
1. Shift from "Watching" to "Analyzing"
Stop viewing court like a television drama. Start studying it like a chess match.
• Track the strategies: Do not just focus on who wins. Focus on how they build their arguments. Why did the judge rule against that specific objection? How did the attorney pivot when a witness changed their story?
• Study professional communication: Pay close attention to how seasoned lawyers command the room. Notice their body language, their vocal pacing, and how they simplify complex laws for a jury. Communication is a lawyer's sharpest weapon.
2. Master the "10-Minute Coffee Chat"
The professionals around you—attorneys, bailiffs, and court reporters—possess decades of unwritten knowledge. Use morning recesses or lunch breaks to request brief, 10-minute conversations.
• Ask the right questions: Avoid generic small talk. Instead, ask targeted questions:
o "If you were a college student today aiming for law school, what major or skill would you focus on developing?"
o "What is the most common mistake you see young attorneys make when presenting a case?"
o "What part of this job did law school completely fail to prepare you for?"
3. Build a Relationship with the Court Clerks
Many interns make the mistake of only trying to speak with judges. In reality, court clerks run the entire legal system. They manage the dockets, process the motions, and see every piece of evidence.
• Take Action: Ask a clerk if you can shadow them for just one hour to see how cases are organized behind the scenes. Understanding court administration now will make you a top-tier candidate for law clerk positions during college.
4. Build Your "Relationship Rolodex"
An internship does not end on your last day; it ends when you maintain the connections you made.
• Connect: During your final week, ask the professionals you bonded with if you can connect with them on LinkedIn to follow their careers.
• Follow Up: Send handwritten thank-you notes to anyone who gave you advice. Mention one specific thing they told you that stuck. A year from now, send them a quick email update on your college journey to keep that professional relationship alive.
Your Daily Challenge: Print out your Courtroom Observation Journal. Do not leave the courthouse today until you have written down at least one legal strategy you observed and asked one professional a direct question. Your legal career starts right now in that gallery.
Hope this helps!
Regards
Rajiv Kumta
Kristen Jones
Auditor
10
Answers
Hernando, Mississippi
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Be a sponge! Don't waste any opportunity or take things for granted. Everything you learn will be useful eventually. Ask lots of questions and pay attention to every conversation and interaction. Try to understand daily routines so you know what to expect. Find out why things work the way they do. Build relationships during your internship and keep in touch with those connections even after it ends.
DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
274
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Hi Alexa: The answers you have already received are spot on. I'd add the following - and remember I am a crotchety old lawyer who practice for a lot of years!
1) Keep an open mind. Look around and watch EVERYTHING! Suffolk County NY has many interesting cases. I am not sure which Court you are interning in but no matter they are all have interesting cases.
2) Ask questions to everyone. Lawyers come in all sizes and shapes! Ask questions. Criminal and civil cases have different objectives. Ask!
3) Family cases are very emotional. Go in and watch but be prepared to be sad.
4) Drug cases are scary. Watch and you can see for yourself the harm drugs cause in the long and short term. In school kids think drugs are fun. In reality they just hurt you!
5) I use to teach lawyers (a long time ago) - remember have fun! If it's not fun you shouldn't be doing it!
Good luck!
1) Keep an open mind. Look around and watch EVERYTHING! Suffolk County NY has many interesting cases. I am not sure which Court you are interning in but no matter they are all have interesting cases.
2) Ask questions to everyone. Lawyers come in all sizes and shapes! Ask questions. Criminal and civil cases have different objectives. Ask!
3) Family cases are very emotional. Go in and watch but be prepared to be sad.
4) Drug cases are scary. Watch and you can see for yourself the harm drugs cause in the long and short term. In school kids think drugs are fun. In reality they just hurt you!
5) I use to teach lawyers (a long time ago) - remember have fun! If it's not fun you shouldn't be doing it!
Good luck!
Michael Tancredi
Retired lawyer
8
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
All of the answers are great! And provide excellent advice! In addition, notice the lawyers and staff that you feel are the most effective. Their demeanor, their attitude, their preparedness. And if any are open to discussing their careers with you, ask them questions. Get their insights. The one thing most lawyers like to do is talk and give advice :) Find one or a few that can be mentors. Creating a good professional network is vital and will help you in your career. All the best!
Cecilia Alondra García Chacón
Lawyer
12
Answers
Chihuahua, Mexico
Updated
Cecilia Alondra’s Answer
Hi, Alexa!
Cecilia from Mexico here.
You're off to a fantastic start! To keep improving, try to read as much as you can. Look at how lawyers and judges express their ideas and arguments. This will help you learn their vocabulary and style.
Also, consider trying different internships in areas like family law, civil law, and criminal law. This will help you explore and find the field that suits you best, so you can focus on it.
You're doing amazing! I look forward to the day I can call you Alexa, Esq. Keep it up!
Cecilia from Mexico here.
You're off to a fantastic start! To keep improving, try to read as much as you can. Look at how lawyers and judges express their ideas and arguments. This will help you learn their vocabulary and style.
Also, consider trying different internships in areas like family law, civil law, and criminal law. This will help you explore and find the field that suits you best, so you can focus on it.
You're doing amazing! I look forward to the day I can call you Alexa, Esq. Keep it up!
Sean Flores
Senior Consultant - SuccessFactors
3
Answers
Lake Wylie, SC
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Alexa,
Firstly, in even asking this question, you are taking the necessary steps.
There's an old adage that summarizes to "anything worthwhile/valuable takes time to achieve". While you are looking to graduate high school, it may be advantageous to firstly decide what category (public vs. private) of law and specific focus may be of interest. A major component of learning the "basics" of law, especially case law, is research. Having an idea of where to focus your studies will definitely assist with those long hours in the library.
In your internship, I would focus on "being a sponge" and absorbing all the information you can, and don't forget to ask questions. Showing your interest through curiosity will help to keep you engaged, while a majority of your efforts will go into undergraduate studies. However, keep in mind that law is a volatile discipline, time can be critical, and it would be paramount to be intentional about your questions.
Keep going! You got this!
Firstly, in even asking this question, you are taking the necessary steps.
There's an old adage that summarizes to "anything worthwhile/valuable takes time to achieve". While you are looking to graduate high school, it may be advantageous to firstly decide what category (public vs. private) of law and specific focus may be of interest. A major component of learning the "basics" of law, especially case law, is research. Having an idea of where to focus your studies will definitely assist with those long hours in the library.
In your internship, I would focus on "being a sponge" and absorbing all the information you can, and don't forget to ask questions. Showing your interest through curiosity will help to keep you engaged, while a majority of your efforts will go into undergraduate studies. However, keep in mind that law is a volatile discipline, time can be critical, and it would be paramount to be intentional about your questions.
Keep going! You got this!