By now you've heard many times throughout your law school career
how important it is to get an internship and participate in
networking events. This is just as important to do while you finish
out your last year of law school and prepare to take the bar
exam.
Internships are a great way to get a variety of experience. Some
people go into law school and know exactly what type of law they
would like to practice. Others have no set direction or are
interested in many aspects of the law which do not coincide. There
is the beauty in the internship. Internships allow you to explore
various practices and to ultimately find your niche or find out
what area you do not want to practice in.
I personally recommend trying to do a variety of internships.
Without experience and hands on learning, it is difficult to
ascertain what you want to do. Internships provide all of that.
Internships are a place to learn, cultivate legal skills and be
provided guidance on how to effectively practice. With these
experiences you will be able to really understand what areas of law
interest you. This is one of the things that does not come easily
once you're out and practicing for a living. There is less
flexibility in the professional world to dabble in many different
areas of law.
Finally, interning is a way to build and cultivate
relationships, which give way to easy networking - something that
is equally important as it is terrifying to most people. The
hardest part about networking is getting out and introducing
yourself to someone. If there is a local event (through your law
school or the MBA) make an effort to go. Do some online research
regarding the speakers or guests at this event and find some
commonality to talk about. Networking is really about connecting
with others, which is easily done through similar interests. Having
done some research and having something to talk about will also
surely take away some nerves! Use that commonality to make a
lasting impression and to get a business card or email. Make sure
that you follow up with your new connections via email or other
means, such as LinkedIn. If you are unsure on how to reach out
after the initial meeting, an easy way is to say how much you
enjoyed meeting the person and speaking about your common
interests.
Staying in contact is an old art form that many people have
trouble with but takes hardly any time. Making a conscious effort
to send follow up emails or staying in touch via online resources
is an effortless way to keep these connections thriving. Do not
forget to keep your contacts from various internships alive, too.
Many future jobs, internships and opportunities stem from
experiences and connections that you make in law school and the
early part of your legal career.
Katherine L. Connolly is an associate with Pierce
Davis & Perritano LLP. Connolly focuses her practice on the
defense of asbestos and toxic tort claims. Prior to joining the
firm, Connolly focused her practice in the defense of civil
litigation, including automobile and premises liability claims,
consumer protection claims under MGL c. 93A and MGL c. 176D and
coverage matters. She received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk
University Law School in 2013, where she successfully completed
internships with the United States Coast Guard and the
Massachusetts Superior Court (MacLeod, J.). She graduated with Pro
Bono Honors and completed the Macaronis Civil Litigation
oncentration.
School of Thought is a regular column geared for law
student members.