How to get a job at a law firm?

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>Hi
I am an undergrad
How can I get an internship, job, or volunteer position at a law firm?
Is having law experience important for law school?</p>

<p>Thank You</p>

2

<p>Soft factors like this don’t carry much weight, although you’re always free to try to spin it. The law schools know that undergrads can’t do anything signficant in a legal setting (maybe filing, filling in at the secretarial pool over summer vacations or working as a messenger). </p>

<p>You’d try to find a summer job in a legal setting like any other job - through the hiring office manager or HR. Explain your career goal and interest in anything that touches the legal field, but be willing to work hard at anything.</p>

<p>Volunteering is a little trickier. Many legal offices are concerned about privilege and client confidentiality, and do not allow volunteers. Perhaps a public interest or government office might have opportunities for volunteers? Law library, even in a local law school?</p>

3

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<p>You could just start calling them and asking. </p>

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<p>It’s not important to succeed academically. But it may be helpful in terms of helping you develop a clearer idea of what you want to do with your career. Also, it helps in later interviews (and probably the admissions process too) if you can demonstrate enthusiasm for the law. Which will be a lot easier if you have concrete experiences to talk about.</p>

<p>Last, having law experience may make you decide that you do not want to become a lawyer. In which case it will have been extremely valuable.</p>

4

<p>As for actually obtaining the work opportunity, you’re just going to have to cold call. It’s a lot of work, but it could pay off. After about 50+ calls to law firms around my hometown, one finally gave me the go-ahead.</p>

5

<p>what was it like?</p>

6

<p>Largely menial work (filing, alphabetizing, etc.), but I did enjoy working in the environment. Working with similar-minded undergrad kids is fun, too. Friendly way to learn about other people’s plans and share yours.</p>

7

<p>Cold calling is your best bet. If you’re willing to work for nothing, I can’t imagine you won’t get anything, especially if you try small firms/sole practitioners.</p>

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<p>I’m really not clear what you think the issue is, or why you think the a public interest or government agency (assuming it was a legal agency or organization) wouldn’t have the same concerns.</p>