What is a summer law internship?
A summer law internship is a great opportunity to gain legal experience and learn more about the legal profession. Interns typically work with a lawyer or a team of lawyers and may be involved in a variety of legal tasks such as researching cases, preparing legal documents, and attending court hearings.
Summer law internships are a great way to get your foot in the door at a law firm. An internship is a paid position in which students are exposed to legal work that they couldn't do in their first or second year of law school.
All applicants for summer internships must have completed at least one semester of full-time legal study by the application deadline. Successful applicants intern between 2nd and 3rd years of law school, but graduating law students may apply following graduation with judicial clerkship or graduate program plans in mind.
Part time law students who meet eligibility rules can apply as well. The Department of Justice (DOJ) offers summer law internships every year. Interns represent diverse backgrounds and interests, and come from a wide range of schools throughout America. The SLIP is our competitive recruitment program for interns who participate in the program benefit from an exceptional legal experience and valuable exposure to the DOJ.
How to find summer law internships?
Some great ways to find summer law internships include:
- Checking with your law school's career center or alumni office.
- Conducting a simple Google search.
- Visiting law-specific job boards.
- Checking with private firms and organizations.
- Contacting professionnals
There is no one time of year when students can find their first internship. The process of finding an internship can happen at any time, and there are many resources for students looking for internships that don't offer pay or compensation.
New England Law School provides a $3,500 stipend to 1Ls participating in our Summer Fellowship Program even if it is unpaid. Most law students don't find their summer jobs until April, but positions are still available and small firms will continue to look for help from the late spring onward.
The New England Law | Boston Career Services team answers frequently asked questions about summer internships on our website. The importance of getting a law internship varies based on the career path that one is considering, but it's always important to get experience in the legal field.
How to apply for summer law internships?
To apply for summer law internships, you'll need to submit your resume, cover letter, and law school transcripts to the law firm or organization you're interested in working for. You may also be required to take a skills assessment or complete a writing sample.
To apply for a summer law internship, applicants are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter as soon as possible. However, selections may be made prior to March 31. The best way to apply is through a spontaneous application. Internships are available for students who have completed their first or second year of law school and unpaid. The most critical factor in applying is the academic record of the applicant; the top 25% of the class is highly preferred but not required. A course work in financial institutions law, securities law, commercial law, administrative law, consumer financial law, and trial practice are all needed to apply for a summer internship. Work experience in the financial industry may also be an option for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.
What are the benefits of a summer law internship?
Some benefits of a summer law internship include:
- Gaining experience in the legal field
- Building a professional network
- Learning about the inner workings of a law firm
- Developing legal research and writing skills
- Honing legal analysis skills
There are many benefits to a summer law internship. First and foremost, students will gain invaluable legal experience. They will learn how litigation works and gain experience in trial preparation, memoranda writing, and research on litigation strategy. In addition, they will have the opportunity to work with attorneys in our litigation section and our regulations section. This will give them a chance to conduct legal research, write memoranda of law, participate in strategy discussions, assist in drafting motions, discovery requests and briefs.
Second, interns will have the opportunity to network with attorneys at the firm as well as other professionals in the legal field. This can lead to opportunities for future employment or recommendations.
Third, interns may be given the opportunity to select which cases they want to work on. When students are given this choice, they are more likely to be interested in participating. Finally, women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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