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Internships for High school students interested in law?
I was wondering how to find and where to search for internships as a student in High school interested in law.
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Updated
Stacey’s Answer
If you’re a high school student interested in law, there are several internship opportunities that can provide valuable experience and insights. These internships allow you to explore legal careers, learn about the legal system, and enhance your college applications. Here are some options:
Senate Page Program:
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Spring (January 28 – June 7), Summer Session 1 (June 9 – 21), Summer Session 2 (July 21 – August 2), Fall (early September – late January)
Description: The Senate Page Program is prestigious and offers a unique view of the legislative branch of government. Pages assist with correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol complex. To qualify, you must be a high school junior, 16 or 17 years old, and enrolled in school. Pages are appointed and sponsored by individual Senators.
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Pathways Program:
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Varies
Description: The DOI offers paid internships for students from high school to the graduate level. Interns work in areas related to their academic field of study or desired career. This program provides insights into public and environmental policy and may lead to permanent or temporary job positions within the DOI.
Passport to Work Youth Employment Services Program:
Description: While not exclusively focused on law, this program provides youth employment opportunities. It’s worth exploring as it can offer valuable skills and connections.
Remember to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each internship, and apply early to secure your spot. These experiences will not only enhance your understanding of law but also demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession on your college applications
Senate Page Program:
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Spring (January 28 – June 7), Summer Session 1 (June 9 – 21), Summer Session 2 (July 21 – August 2), Fall (early September – late January)
Description: The Senate Page Program is prestigious and offers a unique view of the legislative branch of government. Pages assist with correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol complex. To qualify, you must be a high school junior, 16 or 17 years old, and enrolled in school. Pages are appointed and sponsored by individual Senators.
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Pathways Program:
Application Deadline: Varies
Duration: Varies
Description: The DOI offers paid internships for students from high school to the graduate level. Interns work in areas related to their academic field of study or desired career. This program provides insights into public and environmental policy and may lead to permanent or temporary job positions within the DOI.
Passport to Work Youth Employment Services Program:
Description: While not exclusively focused on law, this program provides youth employment opportunities. It’s worth exploring as it can offer valuable skills and connections.
Remember to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each internship, and apply early to secure your spot. These experiences will not only enhance your understanding of law but also demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession on your college applications
Updated
Saumya’s Answer
Hi Jocelyn,
It's great that you are interested in preparing for a career in law this early on. Internships and other experiences in high school can help you in many ways, including landing you in a good law school. The following are certain suggestions that you may consider:
1. Academic internships - At this stage, if you have certain interest areas in mind (e.g. environmental law, corporate law, human rights law etc.), it may be worthwhile looking for organizations/ companies that do pioneering work in these sectors and seeking an internship to understand the sector in general. Given that you will only develop legal expertise once you start law school, it may be helpful at this point to better understand the area of your interest and how the role of a lawyer in these organizations fits in. This could be a good head-start and also help you in your law school applications. (Searches on the internet, reading the news in the sector and consulting people working in the sector may help identity the right organization.)
2. Non-academic pursuits - If you have law school applications in mind, it may also be worthwhile considering investing your time in high school in honing your other interest areas. A well-rounded individual with diverse interests, along with a good academic record, makes for an ideal college candidate. This can include excellence in sports and arts, working towards a cause, among other myriad interests. Especially as a law student / lawyer, you may encounter lots of opportunities for debating and public speaking and therefore, honing your skills in this direction by participating in as many debates, public speaking events, etc. in high school may also prepare you for later.
Hope this helps- all the best !
Cheers,
Saumya
It's great that you are interested in preparing for a career in law this early on. Internships and other experiences in high school can help you in many ways, including landing you in a good law school. The following are certain suggestions that you may consider:
1. Academic internships - At this stage, if you have certain interest areas in mind (e.g. environmental law, corporate law, human rights law etc.), it may be worthwhile looking for organizations/ companies that do pioneering work in these sectors and seeking an internship to understand the sector in general. Given that you will only develop legal expertise once you start law school, it may be helpful at this point to better understand the area of your interest and how the role of a lawyer in these organizations fits in. This could be a good head-start and also help you in your law school applications. (Searches on the internet, reading the news in the sector and consulting people working in the sector may help identity the right organization.)
2. Non-academic pursuits - If you have law school applications in mind, it may also be worthwhile considering investing your time in high school in honing your other interest areas. A well-rounded individual with diverse interests, along with a good academic record, makes for an ideal college candidate. This can include excellence in sports and arts, working towards a cause, among other myriad interests. Especially as a law student / lawyer, you may encounter lots of opportunities for debating and public speaking and therefore, honing your skills in this direction by participating in as many debates, public speaking events, etc. in high school may also prepare you for later.
Hope this helps- all the best !
Cheers,
Saumya
Updated
Angelina (Yun Chu)’s Answer
Hi Jocelyn! It's fantastic that you're thinking about internships in high school already! There are several options for internships that can give you a taste of the legal field and help you explore your interest in law. Here are a few ideas:
Law Firm Internship: Some law firms offer internships or volunteer opportunities for high school students. You might help with administrative tasks, observe lawyers in action, or even assist with research projects. Contact local law firms to inquire about internship opportunities.
Courthouse Internship: Many courthouses allow high school students to intern as court clerks or assistants. This can provide valuable insight into the legal process and the roles of various professionals in the courtroom.
Legal Aid Organizations: Non-profit legal aid organizations often welcome high school interns. You could assist with client intake, research legal issues, or help with community outreach efforts.
Government Internships: Local government offices, such as the district attorney's office or city attorney's office, may offer internships for high school students. These positions could involve tasks like drafting documents, attending hearings, or conducting research.
Corporate Legal Departments: Some corporations have in-house legal departments that offer internships. While these opportunities may be less common for high school students, it's worth exploring if you're interested in corporate law.
Mock Trial or Debate Teams: While not traditional internships, participating in mock trial or debate teams can provide valuable experience and insight into the legal field. These activities can help you develop critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
Remember, even if formal internship programs aren't available, you can still gain relevant experience by volunteering, job shadowing, or reaching out to professionals for informational interviews. Keep exploring your interests, and don't hesitate to ask for guidance or assistance along the way. Explore on Access Your Potential’s site potential career opportunities like internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits. To learn more: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/. Good luck!
Law Firm Internship: Some law firms offer internships or volunteer opportunities for high school students. You might help with administrative tasks, observe lawyers in action, or even assist with research projects. Contact local law firms to inquire about internship opportunities.
Courthouse Internship: Many courthouses allow high school students to intern as court clerks or assistants. This can provide valuable insight into the legal process and the roles of various professionals in the courtroom.
Legal Aid Organizations: Non-profit legal aid organizations often welcome high school interns. You could assist with client intake, research legal issues, or help with community outreach efforts.
Government Internships: Local government offices, such as the district attorney's office or city attorney's office, may offer internships for high school students. These positions could involve tasks like drafting documents, attending hearings, or conducting research.
Corporate Legal Departments: Some corporations have in-house legal departments that offer internships. While these opportunities may be less common for high school students, it's worth exploring if you're interested in corporate law.
Mock Trial or Debate Teams: While not traditional internships, participating in mock trial or debate teams can provide valuable experience and insight into the legal field. These activities can help you develop critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
Remember, even if formal internship programs aren't available, you can still gain relevant experience by volunteering, job shadowing, or reaching out to professionals for informational interviews. Keep exploring your interests, and don't hesitate to ask for guidance or assistance along the way. Explore on Access Your Potential’s site potential career opportunities like internships and paid consulting externships for nonprofits. To learn more: http://accessyourpotential.pwc.com/. Good luck!