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What organizations can I join (as a volunteer) to gain experience about the law?

I’m a high school student who wants to pursue law as a profession. I have all the extracurriculars, the grades, volunteer hours etc. But none of them are related to anything regarding the law. I know I can’t really do any internships in a law firm or anything of the sort but is there any non profits or other organizations I could reach out to in order to get any experience? Also any additional advise is appreciated

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Paul’s Answer

I would check your local courthouse for possible oppportunities.

Many volunteer and pro-bono legal organizations have branch offices located in regional and county courthouses. Including legal defense organizations, housing justice projects, and others.
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Ron’s Answer

Hello Sara,

Despite being less prevalent than college internships, numerous organizations offer programs specifically designed for high school students. I'm currently employed at an attorney general's office, where we recently wrapped up our summer internship program. Interestingly, two of our interns were high school students. While their roles may have varied slightly from those of law students, the invaluable exposure to the legal profession and the connections they established with attorneys are sure to aid them as they strive to reach their career ambitions.

There's absolutely no downside to reaching out to such organizations to inquire about opportunities for high school students. If they don't currently offer such programs, they're likely to guide you towards those who do. Private law firms could also benefit from having interns, and even if your tasks are primarily centered around basic office work, simply being in the midst of those practicing law can yield incredible advantages for you, both now and in the future.

Ron recommends the following next steps:

Inquire with your local Attorney General and city attorney about internships.
Contact your state’s bar association for leads on internships.
Reach out to private law firms with a proposal.
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Aniko’s Answer

Hi Sara,
I would recommend that you join a paralegal association as a student member in your state. Here, you can volunteer your time to better the organization and the profession. Paralegal associations are always looking for volunteers.
I helped my local paralegal association with updating their website first, became the Website Chair, followed by VP and President. Later on, as a paralegal, I volunteered my time and helped other paralegal students to become nationally certified following their college graduation.
There are many opportunities for you to work as an intern in a small law firm setting starting out as a receptionist, or administrative assistant. From here, you can grow to become a paralegal and a certified paralegal.
I hope that this helps.

Aniko recommends the following next steps:

Join your local paralegal association as a student member
Help out the paralegal board by joining a committee
Attend a paralegal studies program (there are ABA approved paralegal programs in each state)
Become certified (by NALA or NFPA)
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Wayne’s Answer

Hi Sara, There are always opportunities in the areas you are interested in exploring particularly if you are flexible with your time and willing to put in the effort. Look into working with volunteer legal organizations or possibly working as a legal assistant or paralegal. Contact the local bar association and express your intent to work within the industry. Many courts offer a guardian ad litem program to represent children before the court (training provided). Contacting your local representative's office may help you look into a number of different areas of law while providing assistance for the community.
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Amber’s Answer

Hello Sara, on the subject of bar associations, you may also check out specialty and affinity bar associations in your state. I understand sometimes they have needs for interns to perform administrative tasks in their offices. It may not be a "legal" internship in the traditional sense, but you will have the opportunity to attend networking events and panels/talks related to legal topics that might interest you. Good job on being proactive during this stage of your education, and best of luck with your search.
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Megan’s Answer

Hi Sara, depending on the type of law you are interested in, you might consider checking out whether there are volunteer opportunities in your local government, for example, with one or your representatives, or in a local government agency.
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Matthew’s Answer

Hi Sara, if you're interested in studying law or becoming a lawyer there are lots of great opportunities to get experience while still in high school--specifically places like district attorney's offices and state legislatures are always looking for volunteers to help out, and no legal degree is required. If you're more interested in legal careers in business, large companies with legal-adjacent departments (compliance, contracting, etc.) generally hire interns who are high school or undergraduates.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. jingqi
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Dan’s Answer

This is a great question Sara. I agree with many of the suggestions in the answers already provided. I see that you are located in New Jersey. Some additional options to consider:

1. The New Jersey State Bar Foundation's High School Mock Trial program (I included a link below). The program is free and open to any student in New Jersey. The deadline to enter for this year is October 31.

https://njsbf.org/school-based-programs/mock-trial/high-school-mock-trial-competition/#:~:text=High%20School%20Mock%20Trial%20%2D%20New,%2C%20critical%20thinking%2C%20and%20teamwork.

2. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights IYouth Ambassador Program (I included a link below). The program is free. It looks like the application deadline for this year has already passed, but you could email them to see whether there are any spots still available (or if not, consider applying next year).

https://www.njsba.org/news-publications/school-board-notes/june-18-2024-vol-xlvii-no-45/new-jersey-division-on-civil-rights-invites-high-school-students-to-apply-for-youth-ambassador-program/#:~:text=DCR%20offers%20youth%20ambassadors%20mentorship,be%20independently%20created%20and%20circulated.

3. In Bergen County Youth Law Enforcement Leadership Academy is a program for high school students interested in law enforcement, county government and the judiciary system. (I included a link below).

https://sheriffwp.bergen.org/bcso-divisions/community-outreach/youth-law-enforcement/
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James’s Answer

Many law enforcement agencies have Police Explorer programs, where you can learn about the aspects of criminal law.

James recommends the following next steps:

Contact law enforcement agencies in your area.
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