Where to Find Legal Interns
If you're not using interns, you're missing out. Sure, interns provide work -- often cheap (but not free) work. But more importantly, they can bring fresh perspectives and energy to your practice. Working with interns is an easy way to mentor a new generation of lawyers and give back to the legal community. Plus, the really good ones might even join you after they graduate.
Here's where you can find them.
1. Law School Job Listings
Many, if not all, law schools have an internal jobs databases, that cover everything from part-time, school year work to OCI recruiting and summer associate positions. (Oh, and real, post-grad jobs.) These are often the first place students are directed by their career services departments and where many students will first search for internships. A quick Google search or call to your local law schools should be enough to get you listed.
2. General Jobs Sites
Savvy students don't limit themselves just to their school's job listings, though. Many search general job sites, like Indeed, LinkedIn, and even Craigslist. Since law school listings tend to be limited to the surrounding markets, students looking to travel for a summer or semester are even more likely to search general sites.
Getting your internship listed on these sites is easy. Just head over to the webpage and get posting. Indeed even offers extra recruiting resources for employers, to help you find top talent.
3. Specialized Websites and Listservs
If your practice is specialized, there are plenty of focused websites and listservs for students looking to work in a particular niche. The Public Service Jobs Directory, for example, targets lawyers and law students seeking public interest work. The San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association matches personal injury-focused students with suitable firms, while the ABA lists internships for everything for international law to tax law.
4. Your Own Website
Don't forget to cover your bases at home, either. You can add an internships section to the jobs or about us page on your website or put out a call for prospective interns on your blog and social media accounts.
5. In Person
One of the best ways to find an intern is face-to-face, though. Go to a mixer, networking event, or volunteer for a speaking panel at any law school and you'll be swarmed by curious students after. Bring some cards to hand out to students who seem the most promising.
FindLaw has an affiliate relationship with Indeed, earning a small amount of money each time someone uses Indeed's services via FindLaw. FindLaw receives no compensation in exchange for editorial coverage.
Related Resources:
- Need a great intern? Post a job with Indeed. (Indeed)
- Do Small Firms, Solos Need Law Student Interns? (FindLaw's Strategist)
- 5 Ways to Make the Most of Summer Legal Interns (FindLaw's Strategist)
- 3 Tips for Hiring Legal Staff at Your Small Firm (FindLaw's Strategist)