University Career Services
Northwestern University
Internship Search: Law Insider Advice
Do not limit your search to “legal” positions, as the majority of those opportunities are reserved for law school students.
Public interest, nonprofits and government agencies tend to have more substantive opportunities for undergraduates than corporate law firms.
Hiring Cycle Because undergraduates are not the prime target of legal employers, there is not a predictable cycle for hiring. You are encouraged to start your search early by engaging in networking and informational interviewing. Many students use their winter break and winter quarter for their internship search. If your legal interest falls in the government sector, be advised that application deadlines may occur as early as November.
Market Your Skills
Administrative
Time Management
Analytical
Writing Skills
Attention to Detail
Search Tools Good Works goodworksfirst.org Idealist idealist.org Washington Internship in Law & Policy* www.internshipsusa.com
Because it is common for “legal” interns to perform administrative tasks, highlight those experiences on your resume and in your cover letter.
The best way to secure an internship in a legal firm is to utilize your contacts and further develop a network of legal professionals.
Professional Associations Utilize Professional Associations for industry research, identifying potential employers, and developing your network. as a student member
American Bar Association Association for Legal Professionals The Chicago Council of Lawyers Phi Alpha Delta
NU students have worked @ American Bar Association Center on Wrongful Convictions
District of Columbia Public Defender Service Human Rights Campaign
Children’s Law Center
Legal Assistance Foundation
Citizen Advocacy Center
Legal Momentum
Cook County Public Defenders
Lightfoot Law
Cook County State Attorney’s Office
The Public Defender Service for DC
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cook County
US Department of Justice
* Contact UCS for username and password information University Career Services Main Location: 620 Lincoln Street Career Lab: Main Library, Core Reserves, 2nd Flr Phone: 847-491-3700
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