By Ellie Santonato

Undergraduate students aiming for a legal career might consider participating in a law internship to gain firsthand knowledge and professional experience within a law firm or a related legal agency. This opportunity allows students to explore potential career paths, connect with professionals in the field, and enhance their resumes or law school applications with valuable experience. 

However, opportunities directly related to law can be quite difficult for undergraduate students to attain. Many internships and part-time positions are not accessible until after students complete their One-L Year (first year of law school). This blog post explores ways to gain internships and experiences to enhance one’s resume for the law school application. 

Do I need to do a legal internship before applying to law school? 

No, law schools do not require applicants to have prior legal employment, nor do they typically favor those with legal internships. If you choose to pursue a legal internship, it should be for the personal advantages it offers, rather than the mistaken belief that it will improve your chances of admission to law school. Overall, any internship gain during undergrad will benefit your law school application. 

What kind of legal internships are available?

Firstly, the majority, if not all traditional, legal internships and programs hold preference for current law students. 

For undergraduates, *if* there are available internships; typically these opportunities can be found at government agencies and nonprofits. Secondly, some corporate legal departments offer formal internship programs, however these are extremely limited and spots are held for current law students. Thirdly, small law firms or legal clinics occasionally hire undergraduates as interns, typically favoring those with existing connections to the firm. However, it is very uncommon for large law firms to hire undergraduate interns.

If you secure a legal internship, don’t expect to engage heavily in legal research. Undergraduate interns usually perform clerical tasks, though there are exceptions. The main value of a legal internship lies in helping you determine whether law school and a legal career are suitable for you.

As a reminder any internship will provide you with transferable skills and experiences that law schools are interested in. Please focus on acquiring an opportunity. 

How do I find an internship or volunteer experience?

Below are some specific resources, but keep in mind that a simple Google search can also be very effective in finding the right opportunity for you! If you are conducting preliminary research on nonprofit organizations, congressional campaigns, law firms, and other related businesses consider tracking the information through a Target Employer List. 

• For business-related/corporate and public interest internships, checking company websites and Handshake. 
• Idealist is an excellent source for non-profit internship and volunteer opportunities, allowing you to search by interest and location.
  • If you are looking for nonprofit organizations for your Target Employer List check out GreatNonprofits.org and Charity Navigator. 
• For congressional internships, be sure to visit the websites of the respective representatives or senators.

What are Involvement Experiences? 

Involvement is a broad term that includes activities that allow you to engage with the DePaul and local Chicago communities. Below is a list of different opportunities that would constitute as an involvement experience that add value to your law school resume: 

• Joining, forming, and/or leading a student organization
  • Participating in student government (including committee and intern positions)
  • Joining a fraternity/sorority
• Volunteering
• Undertaking research with a professor or TA
• Playing sports at any level or starting an intramural sports groups 
• Studying Abroad 

How can involvement help me with law school?

Many skills gained through active involvement can enhance your readiness for law school and a legal career. Law schools recognize the importance of such involvement and will assess your application to understand how you engaged during your college years.

It’s crucial to demonstrate depth rather than breadth in your activities. Avoid simply joining numerous organizations. Instead, focus on activities where you can commit substantial time and develop key skills such as communication, leadership, organization, and problem-solving, which are pertinent to law school.

Do law schools prefer one type of involvement more than others?

No. Law schools prefer to admit applicants with diverse backgrounds rather than a class of students with similar experiences. They encourage you to pursue the activities that genuinely interest you and to make the most of those experiences. Whatever involvement you choose, focus on developing skills that will be beneficial in law school.

Conclusion 

Participating in a law internship can provide undergraduates with valuable experience and insights into the legal profession. However, securing such internships can be challenging, as many opportunities are reserved for law students. Despite this, any internship you complete as an undergraduate will benefit your law school application by providing transferable skills and practical experience.

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Searching for opportunities? No matter where you’re at, we are here to help you. Book an appointment with Ellie, or another member of the advising community through Handshake, or by calling the front desk at (773) 325-7431.