3 answers
Sara
Student
Garfield, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
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Volunteer opportunities regarding the law field?
I am a high school student interested in opportunities that will allow me to gain more knowledge regarding the law field. Any tips as to how I can accomplish this?
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3 answers
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're keen on exploring the law field at such a young age! Starting early can give you a great understanding of the profession and boost your future applications. Here are some tips and opportunities for high school students:
Volunteer & Learning Opportunities in the Law Field
Internships and Volunteer Work at Law Firms or Legal Aid Organizations:
Reach out to local law firms and legal aid clinics to ask about volunteer or internship opportunities. Even if the tasks are administrative like filing or answering phones, you'll gain valuable exposure to the legal environment.
Courthouse Volunteering:
Some courthouses offer volunteer programs where you can watch court proceedings, help with clerical tasks, or assist with public information services. Contact your local courthouse to find out more.
Mock Trial & Debate Clubs:
Joining a mock trial or debate team at school can give you practical experience in legal reasoning, public speaking, and understanding courtroom procedures.
Legal Summer Camps or Workshops:
Look for law-related summer camps or workshops for high school students, often offered by universities or local bar associations. These programs provide hands-on experiences and great networking opportunities.
Shadowing Attorneys:
Ask local attorneys if you can shadow them for a day or more to see what their daily work is like. Personal connections can open many doors!
Community Organizations & Pro Bono Initiatives:
Some organizations look for volunteers to help with community outreach, education, or administrative support related to legal issues.
Additional Tips:
Reach Out: Don't be shy about emailing or calling law offices, courts, or nonprofit legal organizations to express your enthusiasm and ask about opportunities.
Be Professional: Prepare a short introduction about yourself, your interests, and what you hope to learn.
Stay Curious: Use online resources like Coursera or YouTube to learn about law basics, legal systems, and terminology in your spare time.
Wishing you the best on your exciting legal journey!
Volunteer & Learning Opportunities in the Law Field
Internships and Volunteer Work at Law Firms or Legal Aid Organizations:
Reach out to local law firms and legal aid clinics to ask about volunteer or internship opportunities. Even if the tasks are administrative like filing or answering phones, you'll gain valuable exposure to the legal environment.
Courthouse Volunteering:
Some courthouses offer volunteer programs where you can watch court proceedings, help with clerical tasks, or assist with public information services. Contact your local courthouse to find out more.
Mock Trial & Debate Clubs:
Joining a mock trial or debate team at school can give you practical experience in legal reasoning, public speaking, and understanding courtroom procedures.
Legal Summer Camps or Workshops:
Look for law-related summer camps or workshops for high school students, often offered by universities or local bar associations. These programs provide hands-on experiences and great networking opportunities.
Shadowing Attorneys:
Ask local attorneys if you can shadow them for a day or more to see what their daily work is like. Personal connections can open many doors!
Community Organizations & Pro Bono Initiatives:
Some organizations look for volunteers to help with community outreach, education, or administrative support related to legal issues.
Additional Tips:
Reach Out: Don't be shy about emailing or calling law offices, courts, or nonprofit legal organizations to express your enthusiasm and ask about opportunities.
Be Professional: Prepare a short introduction about yourself, your interests, and what you hope to learn.
Stay Curious: Use online resources like Coursera or YouTube to learn about law basics, legal systems, and terminology in your spare time.
Wishing you the best on your exciting legal journey!
Walter Ozeki
Retired law enforcement and current security professional
34
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Hello Sara,
I appreciate your curiosity and enthusiasm towards law enforcement. While I can't speak for every state, it's common for larger departments to run programs similar to the explorers program we had at my previous department. This program offers teenagers the opportunity to gather under the guidance of police officers and delve into the world of law enforcement.
Participants get to wear uniforms, understand the ins and outs of the career, and take part in community activities and police functions. They even get hands-on experience, like directing traffic for special events.
We've also recently reinitiated a cadet program for young adults aged 18 to 20. Since the minimum age for becoming a sworn police officer is 21 in my state, this program bridges the gap, providing a head start for those eager to join the profession.
Building on the explorer program, the cadet position allows individuals to work in various support areas within the department. This way, they get to witness and participate in some of the tasks typically performed by a police officer. Plus, these are paid positions.
My suggestion to you would be to research the departments in your area and see what they offer. Most of this information can be found on their websites. If you're having trouble finding an opportunity, don't hesitate to reach out to the departments directly. Most have a community affairs department that can guide you.
Best of luck on your journey, Sara. The path to law enforcement is an exciting one, and I'm confident you'll make a great addition to the force.
I appreciate your curiosity and enthusiasm towards law enforcement. While I can't speak for every state, it's common for larger departments to run programs similar to the explorers program we had at my previous department. This program offers teenagers the opportunity to gather under the guidance of police officers and delve into the world of law enforcement.
Participants get to wear uniforms, understand the ins and outs of the career, and take part in community activities and police functions. They even get hands-on experience, like directing traffic for special events.
We've also recently reinitiated a cadet program for young adults aged 18 to 20. Since the minimum age for becoming a sworn police officer is 21 in my state, this program bridges the gap, providing a head start for those eager to join the profession.
Building on the explorer program, the cadet position allows individuals to work in various support areas within the department. This way, they get to witness and participate in some of the tasks typically performed by a police officer. Plus, these are paid positions.
My suggestion to you would be to research the departments in your area and see what they offer. Most of this information can be found on their websites. If you're having trouble finding an opportunity, don't hesitate to reach out to the departments directly. Most have a community affairs department that can guide you.
Best of luck on your journey, Sara. The path to law enforcement is an exciting one, and I'm confident you'll make a great addition to the force.
Thank you for taking the time to write a detailed response, Walter. I appreciate the encouraging words!
Sara
Karissa Helton
Teacher
212
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
You could join the Young Democrats or Young Republican group. I strongly advise taking AP United States Government and Politics before using free time to volunteer.
Thank you so much!
Sara