In general, taking a new opportunity can be exciting but also a little daunting because it’s something new. Now if you add into the mix that you are not 100% certain that you are going to enjoy the new opportunity it can become even more intimidating. Although, it is worth it because either outcome will be beneficial to you! When it comes to choosing a potential internship, there are so many different types of law to choose from. Most students are not certain which type of law they wish to practice until they see it first hand. So even if you are unsure when it comes to new opportunities, don’t let it hold you back. Allow that feeling to guide you into an internship to learn, experience and practice. 

For example, if you are unsure about practicing criminal defense, you can intern with a criminal defense firm. Take that opportunity to see if it fits. At the end of the experience you will know if you want to work in this field or that you do not enjoy it. A summer or 14 week internship during the semester can show you a lot about an area of law. I know it may seem that everyone on campus knows exactly what they want to do but that is not always true. So even if you are just ruling out this area of law, that is useful to YOU and you don’t have to think about the “what ifs.” 

Personally, when it came time to start looking for an internship for my 2L spring semester, Professor Simcox advised me to check out PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect). The legal team at the organization primarily deals with sex crimes. I had never worked in that area of law and I was not sure if that was something that fit for me as it is a very heavy area of practice. I knew that this opportunity would be beneficial because I would get to see a new area of law. So I took the internship even with some hesitancy and it led to something great! I made great connections with my supervisor and an alum and I figured out that I can see myself working in this area of law in the future. Additionally, it helped me land my summer internship at the Attorney General’s Office in the Human Trafficking Section. At this internship I learned so much and gained wonderful experience but it might not have been possible if I didn’t take the leap to intern at PCAR. So when it comes down to an internship placement or any opportunity while in law school take the jump because you never know where it could lead too!

• Internships