<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm currently a second year bioengineering and econ double major who is considering law school (IP law). That being said, I've talked with other engineers who were once interested in law only to learn that they HATED their internships at law firms. They said the work is monotonous and not intellectually stimulating, and they highly advised against going into the field.</p>
<p>That being said, are summer internships really indicative of life as a lawyer? Also, how can an undergraduate get an internship at a law firm?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I can’t answer your first question as I am not a lawyer, but for the second one, contact the firms directly and ask if they are hiring (preferably paid) or if you can volunteer there. Also check CalJobs as well. (I’m assuming you go to Cal since your location says Berkeley. ) Some firms hire secretaries. It’s not exactly an internship but you get some experience. </p>
<p>Also don’t listen to what others say. You have to see for yourself if you like the legal profession. I’ve heard people complaining about something (for example, a bad professor/hard class) but then when I experienced it firsthand, I had a totally different experience. It really is personal preference!</p>
<p>Saxonthebeach: internships given by law firms to college students are not going to be that challenging. First of all, law firms don’t have the time to train college students and second of all the students don’t necessarily know enough to be of use in challenging projects. The summer internships for law school students can be more challenging (depends on the firm). Those are where the firm focuses its attention.</p>
<p>If you do get an internship in a law firm now, use the opportunity to talk with attorneys about what they are working on and especxially what they have to do to carry out their work, so that you will come away with an idea of what lawyer’s work is like.</p>