<p>Hiya, I'm currently looking for some legal experience, something like a two- or three-month internship. I've applied at a couple of places, but got no reply so far, and am becoming a bit worried about it. A friend of mine told me about companies that arrange such internships for you and organize everything, etc. And so I found this organization called Projects Abroad and their offer looks really good, and e.g. you can do an internship</a> abroad, e.g. as a volunteer</a> in human rights in South Africa, which I think is pretty cool. My only concern is whether such an internship would be as valid as a 'normal' one. I'd also be grateful for some advice on the prices what can be regarded as cheap and what as expensive. Perhaps you could recommend other companies offering a similar thing? And what do you think in general about such an idea? Thanks in advance :)</p>
<p>Try the Public Defender’s office (or the DA’s office) in your area. A lot of the ones in California have internship programs in place.</p>
<p>Seriously, are you going to pay some headhunter to get you an internship? Start sending out resumes.</p>
<p>I agree with futureNYUstudent…internships at the DA’s or PD’s offices offer interesting and meaningful opportunities.
Also check the other levels of government legal services…County Counsel, State Attorney General’s offices, US Attorney’s office.
You may also want to try volunteering at Legal Aid or a community law center, which is a great way to get experience with civil matters.</p>
<p>I’d also say the PD or DA. I interned for the PD in CA and it was valuable experience being able to talk with lawyers and helping them with cases. You get a good feel for law in a short two or three months.</p>
<p>You really shouldn’t be paying someone else so you can go work for free. There are plenty of things to do from home. Try government offices-congressman, etc or like everyone said, DA or PD. I’m also trying to find a law internship. With places like the congressman, it was kind of late for me to apply so I couldn’t do that. Also are you in high school or college? I’m in high school, so lots of the places I looked at had age requirements. Other than that, try calling law firms and saying you want to intern or “volunteer” there. You should find something. Even if you’re not in the best location, like a small town, there should at least be some law firms you could ask.</p>
<p>I checked the price on the second link, and I’d say they’re pretty expensive. I’ve heard that usually colleges don’t value programs where you must pay to participate very much, because with those it’s mostly about who can afford to pay for it, or is willing to pay for it, versus who is really capable.</p>
<p>the abroad internships it’s understandable to pay for them. I mean otherwise who’d cover the costs and they tailor these sorts of placements for those who need international type legal placements. On the other hand you might want to question yourself if you really need/want one. It’s not the same for everybody. Some might see it as a good opportunity to learn something and while giving back and the costs are seen more as a secondary thing. The main thing is to look at the curriculum. If anything strikes you as “very different” or “not right”, email the program heads to seek clarificiation. If the program or program heads would be able to share alumni emails then by all means ask them about their experience. Some unis might also be incorporating similar work experiences from similar if not the same bodies such as that so don’t be quick to judge.</p>
<p>Another thing, find info on insurance, safety etc…it would be hell to pay the required fees to find out that you don’t qualify/there isn’t somebody responsible onboard to look after matters such as these.</p>