Royal Oak, MI asked in Uncategorized for Michigan

Q: As a Highschooler, How should I apply for an internship for a Law Firm in my area?

I want to go into the field of Law as an adult, and I think that doing some entry-level internship at a local Law Firm would look really good on my resume, and give me the experience I need to further myself in this field. I am very set on this occupation and I really just want to file papers at a firm, but I am not sure how to go about contacting someone in my area, and how my age would come into play. If anyone knows of a firm willing to take Highschoolers, that would be very helpful.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: Congratulations for taking initiative! No concrete advice, but I can tell you the legal profession has changed substantially since I was in your position. The summer I graduated high school, I worked in a small law firm that had a library. Caselaw book companies would send out what were called "pocket parts" of updated cases for research purposes. Part of my job was to put those in the books. I also ran errands and filings to the courthouse, banks, and other law firms; great experience! Unfortunately, legal research is mostly online now so few firms get pocket parts, and with the Internet, a lot of those errands I would run no longer are necessary.

I suggest contacting local law firms to express interest in anything they may be able to offer you. Even if it's just following an attorney in court.

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
Answered
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: Many firms still hire recent graduates as 'runners' but the pandemic has changed the way many operate.

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