The Benefits of Pursuing a Law Firm Internship in Washington DC
The District of Columbia has one of the most vibrant legal markets in the country, offering a unique mix of opportunities for law students interested in pursuing internships at law firms. As the nation’s capital, DC is home to a diverse range of law firms, from large international firms to smaller, boutique firms specializing in certain practice areas. What sets DC apart, however, is the concentration of governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, and nonprofit organizations that also rely on legal expertise. This creates a dynamic environment for law students, who can gain invaluable experience working for organizations with a significant impact on national policy and governance.
One of the biggest draws of interning at a law firm in Washington , DC, is the chance to develop a network of connections with professionals at all stages of their careers. Many firms in DC have formal and informal networking programs and resources that can help interns learn about life after law school, gain insight into different practice areas, and connect with attorneys within the firm and across the legal community. The city’s location also provides easy access to government buildings, courts, embassies, and nonprofits, making it easy to attend informative seminars, lectures, or networking events hosted by these institutions, as well as for public sector agencies and nonprofits.
Leading DC Law Firms that Offer Internships
During summer a lot of law firms in DC are offering robust programs that have a strong internship component. These firms want internships from students who are studying law and may have experience in law.
Covington & Burling LLP specializes in Antitrust, Class Actions, Environmental, Data Privacy, Corporate, Intellectual Property, International Trade, Litigation, Tax, and Security matters. They are a prominent client of BP America, Facebook, FedEx, IBM, Microsoft, Nestle, and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP is a law firm based in Washington, DC. Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr has a variety of practice groups that include Executive Compensation, Employment, Spillover, Financial Institutions, Blockchain + Digital Media, Cybersecurity + Privacy, Class Actions + Objector Cases, Copyright, and Consumer Financial Services. They are a notable client of The Bank of New York Mellon, British Airways, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Hitachi.
Hogan Lovells US LLP is one of the largest law firms in the world, consisting of more than 2,500 lawyers and legal professionals across 47 offices in 24 countries. It has key practice areas in Regulatory, Competition, and Trade; Corporate; Litigation and Arbitration; Intellectual Property; Employment, Benefits and Labor; Real Estate; and Tax. It is noteworthy that many of its clients are in various sectors of healthcare. Some of this firms key clients include Alcon Laboratories, Barr Pharmaceuticals, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Warner Lambert Co., and Proxima Pharma LTD.
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP offers a summer clerk program that aims to give students a sense of the work of a law firm as well as the culture and environment. Summer clerks at Gibson Dunn are placed in their local office to explore their professional interests and help establish their career goals. As a summer clerk, they are expected to not only learn but contribute to their team and help fulfill a part of their individual and team billing targets. Summer clerks get the opportunity to participate in an on-site interview for their 3L employment. Some of their clients include Numerous Industries in California, CEMEX, Baker Hughes, Bueno Foods, Disney, San Francisco Ballet, and Workday.
Above are some of the top law firms that offer a variety of internship opportunities in Washington, DC.
Anticipating Insights from a Law Firm Internship
Interning at a law firm in Washington, D.C., is a rewarding and challenging experience, which provides interns with unprecedented opportunities to work with experienced attorneys while getting an insider’s look at what the profession entails. Successful interns take on a range of responsibilities for their cases while gaining real-world experience and valuable connections in the field.
The tasks that interns are asked to take on will vary based on the law firm and the cases with which they are assisting. In general, these duties may include:
Research Many interns are still in classroom settings, completing their legal education. For this reason, much of their assigned work will include research for case preparation, including reviewing written records, evaluating case law, and assessing various points of view presented during a case. This research is critical to ensuring the thorough and successful presentation of cases.
Meetings When they aren’t busy preparing research, interns will most likely be in the office attending meetings and conferences. Some of these meetings may be with superiors or administrators within the firm, while others will involve discussions among the entire legal team within a given case. Much of this meeting discussion will involve strategy and the firm’s next best steps for achieving success in a case.
Communications In addition to getting plenty of practice researching legal matters and determining the best strategies for presenting these cases, interns will also receive training in client care and communications. Solid legal research and strategies mean little if the client does not "sign off" on the course of action, and many of these meetings will also involve discussions about what the client wants from a particular matter or how far they are willing to go to obtain certain results. Interns will also be responsible for drafting a range of communications aimed at clients, witnesses, juries, or others involved with a case.
Case Preparation Some tasks may involve basic case preparation, including itemization of expenses, gathering copies of documents, or preparing drafts of applications, requests, and other legal documents.
Trial Preparation As part of the case preparation process, interns may also assist in trial preparation and participation. Interns who have benefited from a well-rounded, broad-based educational experience in law school will find themselves involved in a number of essential law firm functions during their internship, making this a comprehensive, enlightening, and truly rewarding experience.
Guidelines for Securing Law Firm Internships in Washington DC
When it comes to applying for an internship at a law firm in DC, the process is quite similar to applying for any other job. First and foremost, you want to ensure that you have a strong resume and cover letter that speak to your past experiences and make a strong case for why you would be a good fit for the firm and for the position. You will also likely be asked to complete an in-person interview, so be prepared to respond to a variety of questions as well as have a set of questions prepared yourself to ask them.
One of the best tips for getting the maximum amount of attention on your law firm internship application is to make use of your network. If you know any lawyers in DC , be sure to reach out to them about your interest in pursuing an internship position at a DC law firm. They may know someone who works at a firm you’re considering or may even work at one of the firms on your list themselves. They can likely give you some information about what you might expect from that firm’s hiring process and give you some tips based on their own experiences. This can give you valuable insight in to the interview process and potentially help you out by referring you to someone who may be in a position to hire interns.
Navigating and Making the Most of an Internship
When you receive an offer to join a DC law firm as an intern, consider yourself fortunate. Law firms are not required to take on interns, and many do not. But those that do are increasingly looking for candidates who will help them grow their own business.
Still, many law students are under the impression that part of the job is simply to do research and help out on active caseloads. While these additional tasks are certainly important, you can also get a tremendous amount out of the experience by taking the initiative to do your own work and dig a little deeper into the firm’s relationships with its clients.
Interning at a law firm in DC is a prime opportunity for you to develop your own professional network in the industry. Make it a point to meet people in your office and, if possible, get out and visit clients’ offices. As you meet new people, try to remember their names, and take note of what they do, whether it’s a job you’re interested in or something you may not have considered before.
While you may not be able to spend a lot of time networking while you’re busy fulfilling your day-to-day tasks, it’s worthwhile to make a point to spend a little time every day meeting colleagues and building professional relationships. They may have a referral program you could take advantage of as a formal part of your internship, or they may simply be willing to help you out as a future contact you can draw from in the future.
Likewise, do not be afraid to approach the firm’s staff with questions about the work they do and ask if you can shadow them as they work. Being proactive about finding mentors is an important step in your development during an internship. Don’t feel shy to ask a senior partner if they can help you improve your own work or offer you insight into your career:
"Last year, I tried to be a sponge when it came to learning about the industry and how I could improve as an attorney," said former summer intern Brian Dela Tolla. "I received a lot of great advice and insight from the associates and partners at the firm I ultimately accepted a job with, and I hold that advice in high regard as I established myself in my legal career."
While it’s important not to take work away from the firm’s regular staff, finding ways to go the extra mile will help you make a positive impression. For example, consider taking on certain small tasks that will help save other employees time. If you know a case is coming up next week and the case file is out of order, for example, take a few minutes to sort it. Or if you know a particular associate has been working hard on case documents, offer to help review them or format them.
There aren’t always a huge number of law firm internships in Washington DC available to choose from, so make the best of the opportunity the firm has given you by creating a positive impression that will last even after your internship finishes.
From Intern to Full-Time Employment
While interns have a limited scope of work, the opportunities to shine are plentiful. Once you land an internship, there are ways to make your mark and open the door to a future attorney position!
The first rule is to perform at a high level. While you can be sure that you are not being tested on your work, it is equally true that this is an invaluable opportunity to prove yourself. It is important to follow the directions given to you by an attorney or paralegal, but if the assigned work is incomplete, speak with the attorney and ask for more. Show them that you are eager to learn everything about the organization and its practice areas. Whatever tasks you are given, have a positive attitude, be trustworthy and reliable, and give it your best shot.
Networking is a big part of any law career, so be sure that you get to know your coworkers and superiors . Introduce yourself to as many people as possible, and ask them to tell you more about their roles within the firm. Offer to take over menial tasks they may not have the time to complete at that moment. Reach out to them, and let them know that you would be happy to assist with any projects they have, as well. From paralegals to office staff to the attorneys, be confident and professional, but don’t be shy about asking questions. Simply showing a willingness to go the extra mile will say a lot about you and help you make a lasting impression.
An internship is your first experience in the practice of law, so give it your all. Show potential employers that you understand the importance of hard work, dedication and authenticity. By displaying an eagerness to learn and a commitment to the firm and your work, you are already one step closer to securing a full-time job.