It doesn’t matter where you do your first legal internship—it could be at your dad’s law firm, a prestigious one with a track record of winning cases, or a public interest organization. The point is to make the most of your time there and embrace the goal of this opportunity: To understand how a law firm and lawyers work.
To make the most of your time, here are seven tips for maximizing this opportunity.
1. Start Thinking About Specialties and Eliminating the Ones You Don’t Like
Although it’s too early to pick a specialty, your first legal internship is a good place to start thinking about specialties you like and want to pursue. It’s also a good starting point to eliminate specialties you’re sure you don’t want to pursue. To do this, you should observe the people who work in the firm in various specialties and sub-specialties.
Moreover, you need to have an open mind and do all types of assignments in various specialties to find one you’re interested in pursuing. Many legal interns who started off being averse to a particular kind of law ended up actually liking it at the end of their internships.
2. Build a Legal Network
Your first legal internship is great for building your legal network by meeting other attorneys at social events. Resist the temptation only to hang out with other interns. Instead, ask for an introduction to lawyers at the event or introduce yourself directly to them. Also, resist the temptation to get drunk or high. Enjoying a drink or two is OK, but always keep your goal in mind.
3. Learn About Politics and Office Culture
Remember, you’re stepping into the real world for the first time. You have a unique opportunity to learn about a typical law firm’s office culture, everyday politics in court, and what makes good lawyers good at their jobs. Use this time to understand how to navigate politics at the firm and in court.
4. Closely Observe How Lawyers Deal with a Legal Problem
How do attorneys fulfill their client’s needs? How do they solve legal problems? What do the best lawyers in the firm do that makes them stand out from their colleagues? You should observe and absorb as much information as possible in your first legal internship.
5. Learn How to Conduct Legal Research
To be honest, most of your fellowship will be about conducting legal research and drafting motions, orders, and memos under the supervision of a lawyer. Some tasks may seem simple enough, while others may be more complicated. Use this time to understand how to conduct legal research, write a motion or memo, and ask your supervisor pertinent questions. Every task is an opportunity to learn something new or improve your skills.
6. Ask Intelligent Questions
Remember: You’re here to learn. The first legal internship is all about learning, growing, and observing. When you receive an assignment, ask what is expected of you. Also, ask about the deadline or expectation of timing for every assignment. That way, you’ll never be late in completing a task. If you’re unsure exactly what they want you to do or don’t know the deadline, please ask for clarification.
Furthermore, if you finish your assignment early and have ample time left over, ask your supervisor for assignments to work on or use the free time to network with junior associates, other interns, and attorneys at the firm. It’s a better way to use your free time than texting and using social media.
7. Can You See Yourself Working There and Being Happy?
This is perhaps the most important question to ask yourself: Five years from now, do you see yourself living like the associates in the law firm do and being happy? Is this what you see yourself doing for the rest of your life? Does your personality mesh well with the personality of the associates? Do you want their lifestyle?
If you can’t see yourself doing what the associates do, fret not! In your second legal internship, work in another specialty.
By focusing on learning, growing, and the practical aspects of the legal world, your first internship in a law firm can be a great opportunity to shape your legal career. Make the most of your time and start preparing yourself for a life as a successful lawyer.
