Law School Graduates

Posted by Tracey Drake Sep 11, 2006

The more people you meet with, the better your chances of building your professional network, and finding a great legal internship. Networking is best started with one's own friends and acquaintances. You can gradually branch out to network with your friends' friends, colleagues, and members of the legal profession, as well as others in the business community that can further your efforts.

Preparing for Internship - Prior to networking with fellow professionals and law firms, ensure that you have your resume ready. An internship resume must be informative, proactive and engaging. Have it written by a professional to ensure you stand out from the crowd amongst all other intern applicants. Emphasize your area of interest and why you want to intern for a certain law firm. Your resume should emphasize your experience (including volunteer work, community service and clerking positions while in school) that are relevant to your field of interest, your commitment to the law and must express your passion for your chosen career field.

Your resume should be well written to create a good impression, and should be accompanied by an excellent cover letter.

Depending on the law firm you are applying to for your internship, you may be required to submit a number of documents with your job application, such as: a cover letter stating the reasons for applying, a powerful resume, a sample of written legal work (take care that it does not breach client confidentiality), 2 written references, copies of university and other degrees and a detailed list of courses taken.

If you have applied to a foreign law firm for your internship program, you will require submitting copies of your passport, as well. Make sure that your internship application is submitted as per the law firm's requirements.