Law

Finding internships in the legal field as an undergraduate student can often feel like an uphill battle, as many positions are designed for law school students. Indeed, the majority of positions advertised as “legal internships” are tailored towards law students. However, this doesn’t mean undergraduate students are unable to acquire valuable experience. There are several avenues worth exploring when searching for legal experiences before heading to law school.

Platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, or Google are often relied upon by undergraduates in searching for internship experiences. These platforms frequently list opportunities that, while not always directly labeled as “legal,” can provide relevant experience in fields adjacent to law. Another internship-searching alternative might be cold contacting. Cold contacting can be valuable in at least two ways. First, you may cold contact an employer and to set up an informational interview, where you discuss with an employee about their career path and what they do for work. Second, you may cold contact an employer asking about any open positions they may have. Either way, reaching out directly to law firms or other legal-related employers, clearly stating your position as an undergraduate student at UW-Madison, and expressing your eagerness to learn and assist in any capacity may open doors to opportunities that aren’t even listed. When drafting these cold emails or making calls, it’s crucial to articulate what you can bring to the table. 

Additionally, consider broadening your search to areas of your interest. For instance, if you’re drawn to sports law, an internship in sports marketing could provide a unique perspective and valuable contacts in the industry. For those passionate about immigration law, consider internships focusing on immigration policy. These experiences, while not directly within a law firm, can enrich your understanding of the field and enhance your experiences.

Remember, the objective is to build a portfolio of experiences that will not only make you a compelling candidate for law school, but also provide clarity on your legal career pathway. For more tailored advice and resources, both the Center for Pre-Law Advising (CPLA) and SuccessWorks can help. CPLA can offer guidance on the necessary skills for a law school application, and SuccessWorks can help you explore internship and job opportunities to gain those skills. Both offices can provide you with a structured plan to follow as you explore your interests in the legal field, ensuring that you’re not just casting a wide net, but doing so strategically.

A strong resume is important for both acquiring new internship or job experiences, as well as your application for law school. Either way, your resume should outline your experiences beyond the classroom, particularly previous internship experiences, campus involvement, and community service. In general, a strong resume should include sections for Education, Work Experience, and Activities, detailing relevant information such as institutions attended, employment history, and extracurricular involvement. Additional sections like Honors/Awards, Research, and Skills/Interests can be included if applicable. When applying for internships or jobs, your resume likely will only be one page in length unless the employer specifies otherwise. On the other hand, a law school resume may exceed one page unless otherwise noted by the law school. For personalized guidance on crafting your resume, consider working with both SuccessWorks and the Center for Pre Law Advising (CPLA) at UW-Madison. SuccessWorks can help you ensure that your resume fully represents your skills and abilities, and CPLA can confirm that it is adequately tailored to law school requirements.

Examples:

1. Undergraduate Student applying to internship
2. Undergraduate Student applying to law school

Note that there are a few differences between a resume geared toward applying for legal experiences and one for law school. Law school resumes are often more than a page and may include additional information, like the number of hours per week you worked, volunteered, or participated in a club/organization.

Being actively involved in relevant student organizations during your undergraduate studies can significantly bolster your application to law school. These organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, foster meaningful connections, and engage in activities that demonstrate a genuine interest in the legal field. Whether participating in mock trial teams, pre-law societies, or student government, these experiences offer first hand exposure to legal concepts, courtroom procedures, and advocacy skills essential for success in law school and beyond. Additionally, involvement in these organizations showcases a commitment to community service, critical thinking, and teamwork—qualities highly valued by admissions committees. Through networking events, guest speakers, and workshops, students can gain insights into the legal profession, refine their career aspirations, and potentially secure strong letters of recommendation from mentors within these organizations. Overall, active participation in relevant student organizations not only enriches one’s undergraduate experience but also enhances their competitiveness as they pursue admission to law school. Here is a list of some student organizations at UW-Madison for students interested in the legal field:

Pre-Law Society

Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-Law Co-ed Fraternity)

Latine Pre-Law Student Association

Black Student Law Association (BSLA)

Criminal Justice and Health Association (Exploring the overlap between health and law)

Criminal and Juvenile Justice Student Association (CJJSA)

Mock Trial

Moot Court

Undergraduate Law Journal (Info packet Feb 2024) (Interest Form)

Court Observations: 

Witnessing courtroom proceedings is a valuable method to delve into law careers and gain insights into legal practice. Whether alone, accompanied by friends, or fellow members of a student organization, observing courtroom proceedings offers a unique learning opportunity. Most court sessions are open to the public, with exceptions for cases involving juveniles.

Madison is home to the Dane County Courthouse, a U.S. Federal Courthouse, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court, all of which provide observation opportunities. By accessing each court’s calendar, individuals can view details of cases, including parties involved and the issues before the court. Judges and attorneys in Dane County are accustomed to observers, particularly pre-law students from UW-Madison. If time permits, they may entertain questions, providing an excellent opportunity to seek clarification on court proceedings or learn more about legal careers.

Volunteering: 

Volunteering is a remarkably beneficial alternative to internships for gaining practical experience in the legal field. For aspiring legal professionals, volunteer opportunities, such as working with nonprofit legal organizations, assisting in legal aid clinics, or participating in community outreach programs, provide a unique avenue to develop critical skills. Through volunteering, individuals not only enhance their understanding of the law in action but also build invaluable soft skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Additionally, volunteering demonstrates a commitment to public service and ethical practice, qualities highly esteemed in the legal community. It can also expand one’s professional network, offering connections and references that are essential for future career opportunities. For anyone looking to break into the legal field, volunteer experience serves not just as a resume builder, but as a profound way to make a meaningful impact while honing legal expertise. Students may be able to Google volunteer opportunities based on areas they are interested in, or utilize websites like Morgridge Center or Volunteermatch.org to expand their searches. Visit these resources or schedule an appointment with CPLA or SuccessWorks to learn more.

Mentorship:

Mentorship is an invaluable resource for gaining connections in the legal field, particularly when traditional internships are not available. Engaging with a mentor who is established in the legal profession provides a unique opportunity for personalized learning and growth. Mentors can offer guidance, practical advice, and insights into the complexities of legal practice that are rarely available through other means. They can also help mentees navigate the legal landscape, identify areas of interest, and develop key competencies required in the field. Furthermore, mentors often facilitate networking by introducing mentees to colleagues and potential employers, significantly enhancing career prospects. In essence, mentorship not only accelerates professional development but also helps build confidence and a sense of direction in the competitive and demanding world of law. Visit SuccessWorks Career Conversations to search for mentors!