Paralegal internships provide valuable experience and industry connections for those interested in a career in law. The best internships depend on personal preference and can prepare students for various types of law. Paralegals are crucial support for lawyers and internships can provide insight into the professional environment of a law firm.
Working in a law firm as a paralegal where support and assistance is provided to attorneys can be considered a high stress environment for some. There are deadlines to meet and reports to write, and mistakes are generally not tolerated very well. Paralegal internships are a way to enter the industry early so that relationships begin and trust is formed. The best possible paralegal internships can reside at law firms that practice civil or criminal law, depending on your preference. Smaller law firms can allow you to gain more hands-on experience, while much of your time can be spent filing documents at a larger firm.
Paralegal internships can prepare you for a career in law before, during, or after law school. Some people practice as a paralegal their entire career and have no interest in becoming a lawyer. Part-time and full-time internships may be offered. To be considered, students must proactively submit resumes and offer references, as well as highlight work and school accomplishments in letters to law firm partners and office managers.
Students are likely to gain the most experience in the industry from paralegal internships similar to internships, and that kind does exist. It may be necessary to pursue an internship at a smaller law firm to delve deeper, but this will not always be the case. The benefits of being included in team meetings, research, and any courtroom activities are learning skills and techniques that will better qualify you for employment. Paralegal internships that are limited largely to paperwork can be beneficial for making industry connections and interacting with supervisors and attorneys.
The best paralegal internships can be limited only by the type of law students prefer to be around. Criminal law, for example, is about crime and punishment. Civil law deals with non-criminal litigation involving white collar crimes, divorce, and the like. Law firms may specialize in one aspect of the law, such as personal injury or bankruptcy. The best paralegal internships are those that will educate students about the types of law these interns may practice one day.
Paralegals are, in many ways, second-hand professionals for lawyers. Although paralegals do not provide legal advice, support from this group is critical for attorneys preparing for courtroom trials or meetings with clients and partners. At the end of an internship, the student should have a clear sense of the professional environment of a law firm, courtroom and the tasks performed by a paralegal professional. College and university legal departments should provide some point of reference as to where alumni completed paralegal internships that led to employment.
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