4 answers
Shriya
Student
Mason, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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What are some free internships I can apply for as someone wanting to go into pre-law?
I'm a junior in high school and can really only find internships for college or stem students :(, I currently do debate and am a receptionist for a law firm right now but I need more
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1967
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shriya !
By "free" do you mean unpaid or no fee to take the Internship ? You are correct - most internships for Law are geared to college and university students because they have already had some basics. Sometimes the University or College partners with local agencies or companies connected to law and government and college students are placed during their third and/or fourth year at college. So it's not unusual that you are having a hard time finding a Law internship while being in the 11th grade in high school. Internships are not an instructional class, they are work experience for people that understand the basics of the field of work.
All is not lost, however. For your remainder in High School, you can easily get a valuable experience by doing volunteer work as well as joining extracurriculars such as a government group, running for a senior class office next year, the debate team which will sharpen your presentational skills and any other club or activity that is connected to your interest.
When in doubt, consider seeking volunteer work outside of school, too ! You can join the Teen Advisory Board at the Mason Public Library ! This sounds exciting and a great way to make new friends and get experience working in a group. The Red Cross would also be great to volunteer for as they offer volunteer opportunities that teach community interaction skills and projects for positive change. Additional places that you can look for a volunteer experience would be at local politician's offices and your City or Town Hall. They can guide you towards what you are looking for. So, internships are not the only way to start.
In High School, keep taking classes in government, public speaking and history and read books with those subjects to gain more knowledge. Also read some political science books which you may find very enlightening. If one thing doesn't work (obtaining and internship), try the next thing. Always move forward !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
By "free" do you mean unpaid or no fee to take the Internship ? You are correct - most internships for Law are geared to college and university students because they have already had some basics. Sometimes the University or College partners with local agencies or companies connected to law and government and college students are placed during their third and/or fourth year at college. So it's not unusual that you are having a hard time finding a Law internship while being in the 11th grade in high school. Internships are not an instructional class, they are work experience for people that understand the basics of the field of work.
All is not lost, however. For your remainder in High School, you can easily get a valuable experience by doing volunteer work as well as joining extracurriculars such as a government group, running for a senior class office next year, the debate team which will sharpen your presentational skills and any other club or activity that is connected to your interest.
When in doubt, consider seeking volunteer work outside of school, too ! You can join the Teen Advisory Board at the Mason Public Library ! This sounds exciting and a great way to make new friends and get experience working in a group. The Red Cross would also be great to volunteer for as they offer volunteer opportunities that teach community interaction skills and projects for positive change. Additional places that you can look for a volunteer experience would be at local politician's offices and your City or Town Hall. They can guide you towards what you are looking for. So, internships are not the only way to start.
In High School, keep taking classes in government, public speaking and history and read books with those subjects to gain more knowledge. Also read some political science books which you may find very enlightening. If one thing doesn't work (obtaining and internship), try the next thing. Always move forward !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
44
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Shriya,
Law firms typically do not hire high school students just because the work often involves tasks that may be too advanced for someone at your level. Even internships for college students, while not exactly unusual, are not common either. Since you're still in high school, I would not worry too much about gaining legal experience. Would that kind of experience be helpful to getting into pre-law? Perhaps, but it is absolutely not crucial. I would even say the same thing about preparing to go to law school (i.e., having prior legal background is helpful, but it is by no means a guarantee to future success). Many of my peers--myself included--had 0 legal experience when they started law school, and everyone graduated just fine. In my opinion, you are more likely get more out of a legal internship when you already have some basic foundations in law. Once you're in law school, you will have plenty of opportunities to complete internships, so don't you worry about all that right now!
My advice to you is to focus on your high school grades for now. Participate in all kinds of extra-curricular activities--they don't even have to be law-related! If you are open to exploring other majors in college, I would also encourage that you to do that. The brightest law students in my year came from all walks of life--one was a teacher, one was an EMT, and one was a music major. The key thing is to develop your reading and writing skills and continue to sharpen your communication skills. You will not be disadvantaged by having a well-rounded education.
All the best in your future endeavors!
Law firms typically do not hire high school students just because the work often involves tasks that may be too advanced for someone at your level. Even internships for college students, while not exactly unusual, are not common either. Since you're still in high school, I would not worry too much about gaining legal experience. Would that kind of experience be helpful to getting into pre-law? Perhaps, but it is absolutely not crucial. I would even say the same thing about preparing to go to law school (i.e., having prior legal background is helpful, but it is by no means a guarantee to future success). Many of my peers--myself included--had 0 legal experience when they started law school, and everyone graduated just fine. In my opinion, you are more likely get more out of a legal internship when you already have some basic foundations in law. Once you're in law school, you will have plenty of opportunities to complete internships, so don't you worry about all that right now!
My advice to you is to focus on your high school grades for now. Participate in all kinds of extra-curricular activities--they don't even have to be law-related! If you are open to exploring other majors in college, I would also encourage that you to do that. The brightest law students in my year came from all walks of life--one was a teacher, one was an EMT, and one was a music major. The key thing is to develop your reading and writing skills and continue to sharpen your communication skills. You will not be disadvantaged by having a well-rounded education.
All the best in your future endeavors!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6732
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Shriya!
Free Internships for Pre-Law Students
As a junior interested in pre-law, there are several avenues you can explore to find free internships that will provide valuable experience and enhance your resume. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify potential opportunities:
1. University Career Services: Most universities have career services that offer resources for students seeking internships. They often maintain a database of internship opportunities, including those specifically for pre-law students. Schedule an appointment with a career advisor who can help you navigate available options.
2. Legal Aid Organizations: Many legal aid organizations offer internships or volunteer positions for students interested in law. These positions may not be paid but provide hands-on experience in legal settings. Look for local legal aid offices or nonprofit organizations focused on social justice, immigration law, or family law.
3. Government Agencies: Consider applying for internships with government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. Many government offices, such as public defenders’ offices, district attorney’s offices, and legislative bodies, offer internship programs that allow students to gain practical experience in the legal field.
4. Law Firms: While many law firms prefer hiring college students or graduates for internships, some smaller firms may be open to taking on pre-law undergraduates as interns. Reach out directly to local law firms and inquire about any available internship opportunities.
5. Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms such as Handshake, InternMatch, or Idealist.org to search for internships tailored to pre-law students. These platforms often list various unpaid internship opportunities across different sectors.
6. Networking: Networking is crucial in the legal field. Attend local bar association events, law school open houses, or pre-law society meetings at your university to connect with professionals who might know of internship openings.
7. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering at community organizations related to law (such as domestic violence shelters or civil rights groups) can also provide relevant experience and potentially lead to internship opportunities down the line.
8. Research Programs: Some universities offer summer research programs related to law and policy that may accept undergraduate interns. Check if your institution has any such programs where you could assist faculty members with their research projects.
By exploring these avenues systematically and being proactive in your search, you should be able to find suitable free internships that align with your aspirations in the field of law.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Association of Law Placement (NALP)
NALP provides comprehensive resources regarding legal careers and internships specifically designed for students pursuing careers in law.
2. American Bar Association (ABA)
The ABA offers guidance on finding internships and volunteer opportunities within the legal profession while promoting diversity and inclusion within the field.
3. Idealist.org
Idealist is a well-known platform that connects individuals with nonprofit job listings and volunteer opportunities, including those relevant to aspiring lawyers looking for internships.
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
|________________God Bless You, Richly!_________________|
|________________James Constantine,____________________|
|_____________The Little Old Aussie Battler._____________|
|_____Programming For Your Nutrition Education_____|
|___________________ ~ Since 1972! ______________________|
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
Free Internships for Pre-Law Students
As a junior interested in pre-law, there are several avenues you can explore to find free internships that will provide valuable experience and enhance your resume. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify potential opportunities:
1. University Career Services: Most universities have career services that offer resources for students seeking internships. They often maintain a database of internship opportunities, including those specifically for pre-law students. Schedule an appointment with a career advisor who can help you navigate available options.
2. Legal Aid Organizations: Many legal aid organizations offer internships or volunteer positions for students interested in law. These positions may not be paid but provide hands-on experience in legal settings. Look for local legal aid offices or nonprofit organizations focused on social justice, immigration law, or family law.
3. Government Agencies: Consider applying for internships with government agencies at the local, state, or federal level. Many government offices, such as public defenders’ offices, district attorney’s offices, and legislative bodies, offer internship programs that allow students to gain practical experience in the legal field.
4. Law Firms: While many law firms prefer hiring college students or graduates for internships, some smaller firms may be open to taking on pre-law undergraduates as interns. Reach out directly to local law firms and inquire about any available internship opportunities.
5. Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms such as Handshake, InternMatch, or Idealist.org to search for internships tailored to pre-law students. These platforms often list various unpaid internship opportunities across different sectors.
6. Networking: Networking is crucial in the legal field. Attend local bar association events, law school open houses, or pre-law society meetings at your university to connect with professionals who might know of internship openings.
7. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering at community organizations related to law (such as domestic violence shelters or civil rights groups) can also provide relevant experience and potentially lead to internship opportunities down the line.
8. Research Programs: Some universities offer summer research programs related to law and policy that may accept undergraduate interns. Check if your institution has any such programs where you could assist faculty members with their research projects.
By exploring these avenues systematically and being proactive in your search, you should be able to find suitable free internships that align with your aspirations in the field of law.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. National Association of Law Placement (NALP)
NALP provides comprehensive resources regarding legal careers and internships specifically designed for students pursuing careers in law.
2. American Bar Association (ABA)
The ABA offers guidance on finding internships and volunteer opportunities within the legal profession while promoting diversity and inclusion within the field.
3. Idealist.org
Idealist is a well-known platform that connects individuals with nonprofit job listings and volunteer opportunities, including those relevant to aspiring lawyers looking for internships.
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
|________________God Bless You, Richly!_________________|
|________________James Constantine,____________________|
|_____________The Little Old Aussie Battler._____________|
|_____Programming For Your Nutrition Education_____|
|___________________ ~ Since 1972! ______________________|
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
James Constantine, thank you!
Shriya
My pleasure to help you Shriya!
James Constantine Frangos