Legal interns assist attorneys with various tasks, such as interviewing clients and preparing documentation. They gain experience in law firms and perform tasks such as making phone calls, filling out paperwork, and conducting research. Qualifications vary, but attention to detail, organization, and communication skills are important.
A legal intern assists one or more attorneys in various office functions. Some trainee positions require individuals to interview clients, investigate cases and prepare written documentation. In some cases, a legal trainee is required to have a law degree, but some employers may hire students and others working in a legal career who have not met basic education or licensing requirements to practice law.
Working in law firms offers trainees the opportunity to gain an inside perspective on what it takes to have a career in law. A legal intern usually works as a support team for one or more attorneys. In this capacity, the intern is required to perform a variety of tasks including making phone calls, filling out paperwork, writing letters and conducting research. Interns working in such positions have the opportunity to work in a legal environment while learning the various roles of an attorney, a paralegal, a private investigator and others in legal positions.
The specific duties of a legal trainee vary depending on the employer they work for and the laws that govern the jurisdiction in which the trainee works. In many cases, however, interns help interview clients, investigate the details of a case, write legal briefs, and ensure that subpoenas are served in a timely manner. A legal intern capable of doing this can also rely on ensuring that certain contract standards are met and that budgets are met.
Working as a legal intern is a career planning strategy commonly adopted by individuals interested in becoming a lawyer. Some law schools offer intern placements as a way to help students gain experience. It is also not uncommon for some to volunteer for unpaid legal trainee positions at law firms as a career advancement strategy.
Qualifications to become a legal trainee can also vary. Many law firms prefer to work with students who are currently enrolled in law school or who have recently completed a law degree. Some interns, however, may work for non-degree lawyers, particularly if they have valuable experience working in another corporate role or profession. For almost all intern positions, a person must be very detail oriented, well organized, reliable and able to work well with others. Good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently at once are also useful skills for anyone seeking access to trainee positions.
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