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What are some good internships in nyc that involve law?

I am a high school junior in NYC. I am dedicated, a hard worker, and a good problem solver. I was hoping to intern at an attorneys office to get experience before law school but I'm having trouble finding opportunities.

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Estelle’s Answer

Hello Lauren!

I help run StandOutSearch.com, the largest existing database that helps high school students find internships. I recently wrote a blog article on how to find legal internships in high school. I have included the major points below. You can read the full article here: https://www.standoutconnect.org/post/10-legal-internships-for-high-school-students

How to Find Legal Internships for High School Students

The best way to find legal internships for high school students to apply to is through online search tools and lists. The StandOutSearch database provides the largest free resource that lists almost every internship program for the high school age group and allows you to search by interest area. MIT Admissions also provides a helpful list of High School Internships.

However, official programs tend to be very competitive, so if you are serious about finding a summer internship in high school, you should also prepare a cold outreach strategy. You can read more about how to form a cold outreach strategy to find a high school internship at the end of this article. We also include email templates to make finding an internship or research position through cold outreach less daunting.

Most of the legal internships for high school students below have an acceptance rate of 20% or lower, given that there are many more high school students looking for internships relative to official programs that provide them. We recommend choosing at least five opportunities to apply to. If you see an opportunity that excites you, take a moment to write the deadline on your calendar!

1. StandOut Connect

Ages: 15-19
Location: Virtual
Timeline: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
Deadline: Various Deadlines

StandOut Connect is a program created with the help of investment from UChicago’s Polsky Center for Innovation that matches high school students with internships in their interest area. Students interview with potential mentors who are leaders and innovators within their area of interest until they are hired for a two-month internship. Many students then receive optional return offers to continue with their internship for as long as they would like.

2. NYU High School Law Institute

Ages: Freshman - Senior
Location: NYU Washington Square Park Campus
Timeline: Academic year
Deadline: Summer

The New York University High School Law Institute (HSLI) is a student-run organization that serves talented and motivated high school students throughout New York City. HSLI is a free program that offers courses in constitutional law, criminal law, and speech and debate. Classes are conducted on Saturdays, from 10 AM - 1 PM, throughout the academic year. Courses are taught by teams of current NYU Law and undergraduate students who are trained and supported by NYU Law faculty. Students participate in discussion-based classes and complete assignments that are tailored to their interests. At HSLI, students are encouraged to think critically, advocate well, and work collaboratively; they are also taught to evaluate arguments based on analytical rigor and strength of evidence.

3. LA City Attorney's Office

Ages: 16 or older
Location: Los Angeles, California
Timeline: Year-round
Deadline: Varies

Interns will work in the DA’s office helping handle day-to-day tasks and other legal tasks. Responsibilities may include: scanning, photocopying, and/or shredding of documents;answering telephones, typing, filing, delivering documents; assembling reports, documents or manuals; and other duties depending on education and skills.

4. Saper Law Immersion Program

Ages: Freshman - Senior
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Timeline: August
Deadline: July

While originally intended for recent law school graduates, the program has evolved into a week-long camp that exposes high school and college students to the legal profession. The course takes place at Saper Law Offices and is taught by Daliah Saper and other Saper Law attorneys. The curriculum consists of negotiation and writing exercises, field trips, and mock legal proceedings. Since Saper Law practices heavily in the areas of social media and digital technology, a key component of the exercises will involve entertainment, business, and internet related legal case studies.

5. Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship

Ages: Sophomore - Senior
Location: New York City
Timeline: July - August
Deadline: March

The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a rigorous five-week internship that provides students with an insider’s view of the criminal justice system. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in workshops and discussions, participate in a mock trial program, develop professionalism in an office setting, and more. Interns will be paid minimum wage.

Cold Outreach Strategy for High School Internships

If the opportunities listed above don’t turn out to be a fit, the next step to finding legal internships for high school students is to launch a cold outreach strategy. This may seem intimidating at first, but the guide below should make it much more simple. As an added note, please exercise caution when reaching out to professionals you don’t know. It is always safest to interview or meet virtually. For legal internships, your best bet is to reach out to local political campaigns, legal technology companies, and small (1-2 person) law firms.

How to Find Companies to Reach Out to for a High School Internship

Use LinkedIn to find small companies where you can help with skills such as social media, coding, content/grant writing, or graphic design. Smaller companies that need more hands on deck will be the most likely to hire high-school-aged students. Try to find personal connections with the professionals you reach out to, such as being from the same state originally or liking the same sports team.

Template for Finding an Internship

Subject: Student Reaching Out

Dear Mr./Ms.____,

I hope you are having a great day! My name is [your name], and I am a rising [grade] at [your school]. I read about your company on LinkedIn and found the concept quite interesting. For context, [briefly state how the company relates to your interests or experience].

I was wondering if you might be looking for interns. I know I would have a great deal to learn from working with you, and I would love to contribute in any way I can. I have included my resume here. Thanks so much!

Sincerely,

[Your name]
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Lauren !

The City of New York offers internships and I will provide a link to their website for you to complete an application. You can also register at Linked In because they post opportunities. I will leave a link below so you can see some of the opportunities that Linked In carries.

One of the steps that you should take while exploring internships is to figure out why you're having trouble finding the opportunities. If you are not being chosen for an internship after you apply, try to find out why and work on overcoming that barrier, whatever it may be. I know it could be discouraging but it is best to be persistent. You never know what will come about.

I am going to provide a link to a resource for you on interviewing for these internships. Practice interviewing and sharpen any interview skills you already have. The link to this resource is provided below. The important thing is to overcome the obstacle you've mentioned and find out what is holding you back. Ask specific questions to other law students who have interviewed and obtained an internship.

I hope that this has been a help and I wish you all the best in your studies and future career !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

https://manhattanda.org/careers/internship-opportunities/college-internship/ APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP WITH THE CITY OF NEW YORK
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/legal-intern-jobs-new-york/?currentJobId=529213044 LEGAL INTERN OPPORTUNITIES IN NYC ON LINKED IN
https://www.bestsampleresume.com/interview/law-internship-interview-questions.html PRACTICE INTERVIWING FOR LAW INTERNSHIP
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Lauren
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Lauren ! Michelle M.
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DENNIS’s Answer

Hi Lauren: Finding internships is never easy - takes a lot of perseverance! Do not give up!! One thing is safety. Law can be dangerous. Not everyone is nice. Often lawyers,Judges, agencies worry about the safety of yooing people who work there. So whatever you think - it is not you - it's them being cautious! Next, if you have a resume, take a trip to 60 Centre St. and walk into a courtroom and sit down. Watch what is going on. See if you'd fit in. See if you like what you see. If you do - ask the clerk if you can volunteer to work there. Ask the clerk while the Judge is on the bench - clerk might not pass on your resume to the Judge. Next go to the clerks office and ask there. Next go next store - or onto Pearl Street and go into the Federal Courthouse. Ask there. They are a lot more formal but they have nicer stuff. Tell the clerk what you want to do - generally nice people who will help. Try - all they can say is no! Last, go to the Bar Association (last I knew on Vessay St.) and ask them if they know of anyone who might help. Plus - there are many types of law so you might get a better handle on what you want to do by talking to the bar association about your interests. Good luck! You sound like you'd be a credit to the profession!
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Deborah’s Answer

Hello there! Indeed, securing high school internships in law might seem challenging, especially when you're up against law students seeking the same opportunities. However, let's shift your perspective a bit. Instead of viewing yourself as an intern, consider yourself a "volunteer." This approach could open up more doors for you.

Look for organizations that pique your interest, and offer your services as a volunteer, willing to undertake any task. Alternatively, you could request to shadow lawyers and gain firsthand experience of their daily routines.

Take the time to craft a compelling resume and cover letter, highlighting your eagerness to volunteer. Explain your motivations and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Another enriching activity could be visiting a courthouse to observe the proceedings. This will give you a real-world glimpse into the legal system.

Lastly, consider reaching out to nonprofit legal organizations like Legal Aid. They often welcome volunteers for a variety of roles. If you're bilingual, that's a bonus! Your language skills could prove invaluable to them.

Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Keep pushing forward!
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Mackenzie’s Answer

New York City offers numerous internship opportunities in the field of law, given its status as a major legal hub. Here are some reputable organizations and types of law-related internships you can consider in NYC:

1. **Law Firms**:
- Interning at a law firm can provide valuable experience in various areas of law, such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, and more. Many large international law firms have offices in NYC.

2. **District Attorney's Offices**:
- Interning at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office or other borough offices can offer insight into criminal law, prosecution, and courtroom procedures.

3. **Public Defender's Offices**:
- If you're interested in criminal defense, consider interning with public defender's offices in NYC, such as The Legal Aid Society.

4. **Legal Aid and Nonprofit Organizations**:
- Organizations like The Legal Aid Society, Human Rights Watch, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) often offer internships related to civil liberties, human rights, and social justice.

5. **Government Agencies**:
- Interning with government agencies like the New York City Law Department, the New York State Attorney General's Office, or federal agencies can provide exposure to government law and regulations.

6. **Corporate Legal Departments**:
- Many large corporations have in-house legal departments. Interning with these companies can provide experience in corporate law, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

7. **Judicial Internships**:
- Consider interning with judges in the NYC courts. This can provide insight into the judicial process and courtroom proceedings.

8. **Legal Research and Policy Think Tanks**:
- Organizations like the Brennan Center for Justice or the Vera Institute of Justice offer internships related to legal research, policy analysis, and advocacy.

9. **Environmental Law and Advocacy**:
- NYC is home to environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Riverkeeper, which offer internships in environmental law and advocacy.

10. **Entertainment and Media Law**:
- For those interested in entertainment law, NYC's entertainment and media companies, as well as law firms specializing in entertainment law, offer internships.

11. **Immigration Law Organizations**:
- Given the diversity of NYC, numerous organizations focus on immigration law. Consider interning with organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center or the New York Immigration Coalition.

12. **Labor Law and Workers' Rights**:
- Organizations such as the National Employment Law Project (NELP) and labor unions in NYC offer internships related to labor law and workers' rights.

13. **Healthcare and Bioethics Law**:
- NYC has many prestigious medical institutions, and you can find internships related to healthcare law and bioethics at places like the NYU School of Medicine's Division of Medical Ethics.

14. **Real Estate and Land Use Law**:
- Given the booming real estate market in NYC, consider interning with law firms or organizations specializing in real estate and land use law.

To find these internship opportunities, visit the websites of the specific organizations of interest, check with your college or university's career center, and explore internship listings on job search platforms. Networking with professors, peers, and legal professionals in NYC can also lead to valuable internship connections in the field of law.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Lauren!

Securing a top-notch law internship in the bustling city of New York could be a fantastic stepping stone for a high school junior like you, who is keen on a legal career. Although it might feel a bit daunting, there are plenty of routes you can take to land an internship at a law office or a related establishment. Here are some friendly pointers to guide you on your journey:

1. Law Firms: Numerous law firms in the Big Apple offer internships for high school students with a passion for law. These internships give you a firsthand experience of the legal world, working side by side with lawyers and legal experts. Firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP are well-known for offering internships. It's a good idea to check out their websites and look under the career or internship tabs for any openings.

2. Nonprofit Legal Organizations: There's a wealth of nonprofit legal organizations in New York that focus on providing legal help to communities in need. These organizations often have internships for high school students who are eager about social justice and want to get practical experience in the legal sector. Groups like Legal Aid Society, New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), and Lawyers Alliance for New York are worth checking out. A quick visit to their websites or a direct inquiry about internships could be your first step.

3. Government Agencies: There are a variety of government agencies at the city, state, and federal levels that offer law-related internships. For example, the New York City Law Department has a High School Summer Internship Program that gives you a taste of different areas of law within city government. Plus, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York offers internships for high school students keen on learning about federal prosecution and litigation. A visit to these agencies' websites or a call to their HR departments can give you more details on available internships.

4. Courts: An internship at a court can be an excellent way to delve into the legal system and watch legal proceedings up close. The New York State Unified Court System offers internships for high school students, where you can work with judges, court attorneys, and other court staff. Federal courts like the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York might also offer internships. Checking out these courts' websites or getting in touch with their internship coordinators can give you more info.

5. Bar Associations: Bar associations, like the New York City Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, often run programs or initiatives aimed at providing learning opportunities for high school students interested in law. These programs could include internships, mentorship schemes, or workshops that can help you get a feel for the legal profession. A visit to their websites or a direct inquiry about available opportunities could be very helpful.

Besides these tips, it's crucial to network and connect with attorneys or legal professionals in your area. Go to local events, seminars, or workshops related to law where you can meet professionals who might offer internships or give advice on finding opportunities.

When applying, make sure your resume and cover letter reflect your commitment, strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and love for law. Highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that show your interest in the legal field.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names Used:
1. *New York City Bar Association* - www.nycbar.org
2. *New York State Unified Court System* - www.nycourts.gov
3. *United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York* - www.justice.gov/usao-sdny
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