The Basics of Legal Internships
The legal internship is an important step for law students to build valuable skills and gain experience in the real world, while also helping to network with employers and fellow professionals. Not only are you able to get a jump on what a career in the field will actually be like, but you also gain insight into what it takes to work successfully against strict deadlines and stressful environments . As a law student, a legal internship is your chance to get on-the-job experience, see what you have learned so far and where you need to improve, and discover which specific area of the law you may want to go into upon graduation. Legal internships can be undertaken at law firms, state and federal agencies, corporate legal departments, non-profit legal organizations and more, and they offer a great opportunity to pursue mentor relationships with skilled professionals.
Top Law Firms Providing Internships in Indianapolis
The top law firms in Indianapolis offering law internships are a stellar mix, each with their special characteristics that make them stand out. One of the most prestigious law firms in Indianapolis is Faegre Baker Daniels. This law firm does mostly commercial law. It had total revenues of $901 million in 2011. Faegre Baker Daniels offers internship opportunities in the fall, spring and summer.
Another top law firm in Indianapolis offering law internship opportunities is Cohen Garelick & Glouster. This law firm has roots dating back to 1946. It specializes in five areas; business transaction, employment law, litigation, estate planning, and real estate. Practice areas are appealing to a wide range of prospective interns. The firm’s attorneys have an average of 30 years of experience. It has a collaborative environment and state-of-the-art technology.
One of the biggest law firms in Indianapolis, Greenbaum, Doll & McDonald, has offices in 15 locations across the country. It has 200 attorneys that practice a wide range of U.S. law and international law. Attorneys practice in the areas of healthcare, intellectual property, international consulting, municipal law and employment law. The law firm specializes in more than 20 different areas of practice. Its attorneys are seasoned professionals and most green lawyers at the firm are already licensed by the bar.
Cloud & Cobb, P.C., is a respected law firm with four offices in Indiana. This law firm specializes in employment law, employee benefits law, and litigation. The law firm also has offices in Louisville, Kentucky and Chicago, Illinois. The law firm was founded in 1977. Attorneys at the law firm focus on a lifetime of service to their clients.
Submitting Your Application and Required Documents
The application process for legal internships in Indianapolis typically starts with a review of the available positions offered by various employers. Most law firms, government agencies, and NGOs provide detailed descriptions of their internship openings on their websites. These postings usually include the qualifications required, the deadline for applications, and the contact person for further inquiries. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible, as some employers receive applications well in advance of the start date of the internship.
General requirements for legal internships in Indianapolis generally include enrollment or graduation from an accredited law school, an updated resume and a cover letter addressed to the appropriate employer. Typically, applicants also provide references and any transcripts that the employer requires. Some internships may require specific prior experience, such as participation in a court program, which the applicant should demonstrate in their application.
A standout application is one that highlights previous work experience and skills that the applicant has that will contribute to the benefit of the firm, what an employer is really looking for when deciding whether or not to offer an internship. An internship that can be described as "hands on" is more likely to garner attention than one without responsibility. A focus on a specific area of legal practice of interest to the employer and a desire to learn new skills are also important considerations for employers.
Various Types of Legal Interns
The opportunities for law students range across a wide spectrum. Legislative law provides an interesting opportunity for those interested in crafting policy and law. The Indiana General Assembly is situated in Indianapolis and utilizes interns to help maintain a efficient governmental process. Hands on experience helps students develop skills ranging from drafting and editing legislation to interviewing constituents and attending legislative. Some interns also have the opportunity to conduct legal research for Attorneys and Legislators. Many of the programs require students to work a minimum of three days per week, pay a stipend, or receive academic credit.
Law firms in Indianapolis accept interns of all educational levels. Large firms have the ability to rotate interns through various departments, such as corporate and litigation, allowing students to gain exposure to different facets of the firm. Smaller firms may offer a general experience that encompasses aspects of litigation and transactional law. Internships at law firms may be done for school credit or paid on an hourly basis. Students experience significant learning opportunities while working on actual cases and are offered the chance to network with the professionals who surround them.
Governmental law can offer a great experience for students interested in government service and public policy. The Indiana Governor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are two examples of governmental agencies with internships available to law students. These internships can provide a true look at what it is like to work in the public sector and the challenges faced when representing the government.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is a great opportunity for a law student interested in public interest law. Public interest law is a very competitive field, often requiring a strong letter of recommendation and excellent grades. Law students are offered limited paid, part time summer internships with the ACLU. Interns will be required to complete a variety of assignments. Some may be involved in direct client contact and others may assist with research and litigation support.
Clerkships are available at the various courts around the city. The Indiana Supreme Court, U.S. District, U.S. Bankruptcy, and Circuit Courts all employ law clerks to assist with legal work. Courtrooms provide a unique perspective of the law. Students are often invited to attend trials and hearings in order to gain valuable experience and develop legal skills needed on the job.
Living and Working as an Intern in Indianapolis
Living and working as an intern in Indianapolis is a unique experience. The cost of living here is relatively low, which allows students ample opportunity to experience all that the city has to offer during their time away from the office.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Indianapolis tends to be lower than the national average, which is particularly beneficial for students and interns. The housing market is currently booming and there are plenty of options, both on-campus and off-campus. For interns who are staying for an extended period of time, there is a great need for short-term apartment leases right now so housing should not be an issue. However, it’s always a good idea to have a few options to fall back on if your first choice doesn’t pan out. The legal interns typically live around Broad Ripple (along the Monon Trail), Mass Ave, or downtown.
Transportation
If you’re not commuting from out of state, the local public transportation system, IndyGo, makes getting around pretty simple. IndyGo is the public transportation company in the city, and it has several routes that allow for easy access to downtown. You can even use the Transit App , which gives you information about bus routes right at your fingertips. Interns tend to walk to and from work, which is convenient, but biking and public transportation are also common.
Networking Opportunities
Interning in the city provides opportunities to network and get involved in the local legal community. There are several bar associations and clubs to join if you’re interested in getting to know others in the field. Plus, networking in an area like Indianapolis can be beneficial after the internship is over. It’s common for firms to hire interns after graduation when they’re looking to fill entry-level positions.
Local Attractions
When you’re done with work for the day or want to head out on the weekend, there is no shortage of fun and exciting things to do in Indianapolis. You can visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which is the largest children’s museum in the world; stroll along the canal during a warm summer evening; or head over to visit Monument Circle, which honors all of the Indiana veterans that have served.
There are plenty of opportunities to make professional connections during your time here; just make sure to soak up all of the fun moments in-between!
What Previous Interns Have to Say
"I interned with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office last summer and I can honestly say I learned more in that three-month period than I have in my three years of law school combined. I would highly recommend interning with the prosecutor’s office to any student especially if you are interested in litigation. The Courtroom Trial Advocacy seminar is a must if you want to practice litigation as well. I would also recommend interning with federal agencies such as the FBI or CIA because it gives you great insight into what goes on behind the scenes in those agencies that few outsiders know about. The Indianapolis Bar Association and Foundation do a great job of offering a variety of programs for interns that help you become better acquainted with the legal community and local area."
— Danika Castetter, Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis
"I began my internship with the Bond Company the second semester of my first year of law school. The Bond Company is an umbrella company of newspapers as well as the Observer in Chicago. My first assignment was to take inventory of their enormous library of legal clippings, file them under a specific system that they use, and digitize them into a database. At the end of the year I helped edit the entire Clipping Service Manual, which organizes all the clippings by Subject and Subject Group. I also help to edit the daily USA News Clippings where I edit and scan articles regarding different insurance coverage issues and send them to different State Departments to keep them updated on the current news. This position has been a great job. I am able to work on my time, which allows me to focus on my law school work. The pay is very good considering how much flexibility they are willing to give me. I am a 1L so this job has made my law school experience extremely easy. Because they are so willing to work with my schedule and my law school work load, it gives me a secure financial position that eases the stress of not practicing law during my summer "break" in 1L year. Overall this has been a great experience and I highly recommend anyone consider working for the Bond Company."
— Abbie Pierce, DePaul College of Law
Career Opportunities Going Forward
Completing a legal internship in Indianapolis can open the door to a number of promising career opportunities. Internships often lead to full-time job offers, as companies frequently prefer to hire experienced candidates who can step into a legal position without extensive training. With this in mind, individuals are better served by considering legal internships as long-term investments, as opposed to short-term obligations. Interns who decide to pursue a law career often gain valuable experience that is essential to earning and keeping a position in a competitive field. Research shows that individuals with law degrees typically earn a more attractive salary than those with only bachelor’s or master’s degrees. While employment rates for graduates can vary , internships generally increase the likelihood of finding suitable positions. In addition to enhancing revenue opportunities, gaining exposure to the legal industry can also make a person more marketable to potential employers. Completing an internship with a prestigious law firm may allow interns to secure entry-level positions as a law clerk or paralegal. Having established relationships with local attorneys can also help candidates find jobs, as well as provide them with recommendations and other references. Volunteering or interning with a non-profit organization can benefit students who have an interest in working for charities or other social service agencies. Some law students elect to gain experience in the public sector as well, where they may assist government agencies in the Indianapolis area.