As the prime time for internship and job searching is among us, it is important for pre-law students to seek an internship to gain experience in a legal career. Pre-law students have many diverse majors; some majors have a political facet, while others are not heavily focused on law. Students can gain relevant job skills and experience through an internship that one could not receive in the classroom.
Here are three possible internship programs ranging from finance to social justice for students interested in pursuing a legal profession.
Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is one of the largest organizations supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. This organization has expanded from a political lobbying fund to a civil rights campaign advocating LGBT basic equal rights.
With more than 25 programs from political to educational, an intern can gain skills and experience in policy and advocacy as an LGBT leader. The HRC offers unpaid internships in Washington, DC; Birmingham, AL; Little Rock, AR; and Jackson, MS. Students with an interest in social justice, LGBT issues and non-profit work should apply.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is a global banking investment firm offering financial services to clients such as corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. This leading global company is headquartered in New York, but has additional offices and international centers.
Goldman Sachs offers a ten-week summer internship program for undergraduate sophomores or higher. Interns will be analysts working in a specific area of practice. The program gives students networking opportunities in a highly professional environment. This is a great opportunity for students wanting to work as a legal professional in a business industry. Applications are currently available.
Office of Attorney General
The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) provides an internship program for undergraduate and graduate students to work in a public service environment. While working in the largest firm in the D.C. area, interns will be doing legal tasks such as legal research, motions, advice memos, discovery, trial or office matters.
Networking opportunities are built into the program through presentations from OAG attorneys on various cases and issues as well as several local field trips. Interns will also gain necessary skills for any legal practice, such as legal writing and research skills. Each intern will receive a uniquely tailored program to meet his or her needs and interests. Learn and practice law in the heart of the nation’s capital. The Ohio Attorney General’s office also offers internships if you want to stay local.
A simple Google search will warrant many internship opportunities within the legal industry. Students should check with their advising centers as well as local law firms, city council and other companies for internships. Most internship program’s deadlines are quickly approaching, and some are highly competitive and have time-intensive application processes. Revise your resume, practice interviewing skills and start applying now!
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