Legal Internships Explained
As any experienced lawyer can attest, securing a position with a reputable organization is essential for law students and graduates to stand out from the crowd and move into their legal careers. Legal internships are not only a means to acquire much-needed work experience before graduating from law school, but serve as a valuable branding tool that etches their names on the minds of prominent legal employers. Considered a rite of passage in the legal field, isolation during law school can’t provide the same amount of insight as a real-world opportunity affords . Whether they are securing first-hand knowledge of how cases are managed, or how a law firm organizes its client base, these experiences are essential for honing the skills they learn in the classroom and gaining valuable exposure to different fields of law. When a law student immerses themselves within the inner workings of law firms, state agencies, or non-profit legal aid organizations, they expand their horizons as they experience a front-row seat while observing law in action. For some, a legal internship may be an opportunity to find their niche, or the area of law that most sparks their interest. Depending on where they’re placed, legal interns can have an inside look on how their skills can be used to merge law with technology, contracts and negotiations, research, or advocacy.
Legal Organizations that Provide Orlando Internships
The legal landscape of Orlando, FL is diverse and offers a plethora of opportunities for aspiring law students seeking internships. In this section, we’ll discuss the top law firms, legal organizations, and government agencies in the area that provide internship programs.
Leading the list is GrayRobinson, a full-service law firm with more than 200 attorneys. The firm’s internship program offers law students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various areas of law, including litigation, corporate law, and healthcare law. Interns at GrayRobinson can benefit from the firm’s supportive environment and mentorship opportunities, as well as gain valuable skills that will be useful for their future legal careers.
Next up is Carlton Fields, another full-service firm specializing in a wide range of legal services. The firm’s Orlando office provides law students the chance to work on real cases while also developing their professional networks. Internship programs at Carlton Fields are designed to give students an idea of what it’s like to work in various practice areas and provide them with the tools and guidance they’ll need to succeed.
In addition, Sherwin Arpels Law Firm in Orlando, FL is known for its internship program geared toward law students interested in working in Criminal Defense, Personal Injury Law, and Family Law. The firm mentors its students and provides them with real experience a working legal environment.
Lastly, the Orange County Attorney’s Office (OCAO) is a government agency that provides legal representation, counsel, and advice to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and all Orange County agencies. It also represents the County in civil rights matters, litigation, and appeals. OCAO offers an internship program to students attending Orlando-area law schools, and they are open year-round. The paid internships typically last for three months and cover all areas of practice.
How to Obtain an Orlando Legal Internship
Securing an internship—legal or otherwise—can feel like a full-time job. Competition is fierce, and the sheer volume of applicants can be staggering. However, with some strategic planning and a little hard work, securing a coveted legal internship could be just a few steps away. Starting early is important, and so is your networking effectiveness. The Orlando Bar Association and the Central Florida Association of Legal Assistants (CFLA) are two organizations committed to the advancement of legal practitioners and support staff. Both groups have interactive websites that allow you to easily search for opportunities and potential employers. You can attend social events, join sub-committees of interest, and interact with members online through the association or on Google+ Hangouts. You should also start searching for internship opportunities long before summer break kicks off, as many internships will be filled months in advance. Apply to as many openings as possible, taking care to have each set of application materials tailored to the specific firm for which you’re applying. Do not re-use materials, as this is an automatic turn-off. Dig deep into the job or internship postings to incorporate key phrases from the ad—i.e., "Leadership Focus"—into your resume and cover letter to show you understand what the company culture is like and how you will fit within it. Many firms will consider your social media profiles as part of the hiring process, so make sure your profiles are a reflection of your professionalism and avoid diversions. Investing a bit of time into researching which of your networking contacts may know someone at your desired employer for a referral or introduction is another good use of your time. They say that under-the-table opportunities never come through one of those annoying job boards—it’s always through a connection that is involved and knows what they are about. When you do submit your application, do not leave it up to fate—follow up on a weekly basis with the firm. Even if your resume is sitting on the bottom of the pile, the fact that you are engaged will create a positive image for you. If you have landed an interview, congratulations! Your time and effort paid off. Now comes the final leg of the race—making yourself stand out above the rest. Dress the part—clothes should be tailored, not wrinkled, and your shoes should not have scuff marks or discolorations. Your hair should be out of your face and neatly styled. Your jewelry should be tasteful—not too much and not too flashy. Follow these tips, and you will look polished and prepared to sit across from the employer investing time and money in inspiring lawyers for the future. You should also take time to research interview success tips as well as read up on the firm’s history and practices. You need to understand their mission and how you can act as an integral part of their team. And… SMILE! You’re out of school, you’ve got this! You should remember to ask plenty of questions about the company, your coworkers, your individual prospects for growth and advancement, and any other details that you want to know more about. Most importantly, always remember to write a thank you note or email after the interview, and include something specific you spoke about with your interviewer to help him/her remember you among the hundreds of candidates they meet each summer. If you establish a relationship the interviewer remembers after the interview, you have a much bigger shot at getting a return call and securing that position.
Different Types of Legal Internships
Internships in the legal field can take many forms, from private corporate positions to public defense or legal aid offices. With such a diverse selection of options, it can be overwhelming for the law school student to navigate the process of applying for internships. Practical experience is crucial to success as an attorney, however, so the task must be done. This article will demystify some of the more popular legal internships available in the Orlando, FL area.
Attorneys that work in corporate settings often employ interns to assist with research or paperwork. Large firms can afford to use interns to perform menial tasks, and they welcome the opportunity to hand off lower-stakes projects to temporary staff members. An intern in this type of position may earn little more than college credit and hands-on experience with relevant software like Concordance or Relativity.
Public defense offices offer promising law students a hands-on internship experience while also greatly reducing the heavy burden placed on public defenders. Interns are hailed as the attorney’s "right hand" when working an active case file, and may even be able to make an appearance on the defendant’s behalf. The lawyer assigned to the case is responsible for reviewing and approving all work completed by the intern , so the final product can not be submitted to the judge without supervision.
The Office of the State Attorney is responsible for prosecuting violations of Florida criminal law. Much like corporate firms, the OSAs in Orlando and surrounding areas may offer clerkships and externships to area law school students. These internships are often invaluable opportunities to witness the machinations of a jury trial or grand jury proceedings.
Pro bono opportunities are available through many of Orlando’s legal aid organizations. These non-profits help clients of limited means get access to the type of legal representation that all Americans deserve, while providing law students with firsthand experience assisting clients who would otherwise go unrepresented. The work required from interns varies wildly, but can include preparing forms, gathering evidence, and oral advocacy.
Many lawyers choose to practice family law. This area of the law deals with the most sensitive of human interactions, and the firm selected should be chosen carefully. An internship at this type of firm allows students to develop compassion and a keen eye for detail, both of which are necessary to work in this branch of the law.
Building a Professional Network and Gaining Experience in Internships
As a law student or recent alumnus in Orlando, FL, an internship is often the best way to enter the legal job market. Whether you choose to work in a firm, corporation, or government office, an internship will allow you to gain essential experience and invaluable contacts. However, landing an opportunity is only half of the challenge; you must be able to turn that chance into a viable career. For many, a legal intern in Orlando, FL is a necessity. Often, internships are a requirement of your school before graduation. Even if it’s not, however, internships enable you to gain experience, hone your skills, and begin cultivating the all-important professional network. One of the best ways to gain useful professional contacts via your internship is to connect with people within the organization. Be sure to introduce yourself to each of your co-workers, including not only the attorneys, but also administrative staff, paralegals, interns, and specialists. Once you’re familiar with them, make sure to request LinkedIn connections and ask for an opportunity to take the attorney you work for out to lunch. Showing your dedication and openness to conversation and collaboration will quickly earn you the respect and admiration of your firm’s team. If you don’t already have a mentor, let the attorneys in your firm know that you’re seeking one. They can usually pair you with a senior partner who will help you develop those all-important skills if you’re currently in school or continue giving you professional opportunities if you’ve recently graduated. To make a favorable impression, be prepared with thoughtful questions and be sure to follow up after any meetings. Like any other industry, it’s important to attend conferences and similar events for networking purposes. Not only for visibility and career opportunity purposes, but also to familiarize yourself with the latest trends in the legal field. Seeking to expand your knowledge base is an important element of being a valuable team member. In addition, you should consider joining an organization relevant to your individual legal interests, which generally offers student discounts. Plan to attend networking functions arranged by these groups. Last but not least, make the most of your internship by determining your ultimate career goals. Your employer may be able to help you reach them sooner than you think, as they often have relationships with other attorneys and legal professionals. Be on the lookout for additional opportunities, whether they come in the form of additional internships or full-time employment.
Benefits of Interning for Experience in the Legal Field
Legal internships can be both exciting and challenging, especially in a vibrant city like Orlando, FL. A common challenge faced by legal interns is navigating the competitive job market, which can be particularly daunting for those early in their career. The highly-specialized nature of law work also means that interns might be tasked with handling detailed and complex documentation that can be overwhelming.
Financial restrictions are another obstacle legal interns may encounter. Many internships in Orlando are unpaid or offer low wages, which can be a barrier for aspiring attorneys who need to support themselves financially during their studies or the internship period itself.
Another potential hurdle is time management. Balancing coursework, personal commitments, and internship obligations can be difficult, and having multiple projects due at once can create significant stress. Interns may struggle to manage their time effectively if they have not yet acquired solid organizational skills.
However , despite these challenges, there are ample opportunities for personal and professional development. For instance, overcoming the struggle to handle complex or nuanced tasks can be a significant boost to an intern’s self-confidence. Every new project will present the opportunity to expand knowledge of court systems, legal procedures, and statutory interpretation, even if the resulting product is flawed or needs revision.
Internships, particularly those that are unpaid, can also teach interns how to prioritize their time effectively, a skill that will likely be essential in their future careers. Many young attorneys find themselves working frequent long hours for little or no pay.
Lastly, internships provide the opportunity to form valuable connections with fellow interns, clerks, and lawyers that can sometimes last for a lifetime. Most importantly, the opportunity to receive personalized mentorship and tutoring from more experienced professionals cannot be understated.