How Important Are Internships, Clerkships, And Law Review During Law School?

The journey through law school is rigorous and demanding, requiring students to master complex legal concepts while developing critical thinking and practical skills. Beyond academic excellence, law students are often encouraged to participate in internships, clerkships, and law review. These opportunities provide invaluable real-world experience and can significantly influence a student’s legal career. However, the importance and impact of these experiences can vary depending on individual career goals and the legal market.

This article explores the significance of internships, clerkships, and law review during law school. We will discuss how each of these experiences contributes to a law student’s professional development, enhances their resume, and prepares them for their legal careers. By breaking down these components, we aim to provide a clear understanding of why these opportunities are highly valued in the legal profession.

Internships: Gaining Practical Experience

Internships offer law students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world legal settings. They are an essential component of legal education, providing hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the day-to-day work of legal professionals.

·       Exposure to Various Legal Environments:
Internships allow students to work in diverse legal environments, including law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate legal departments. This exposure helps students gain insight into different areas of law, such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, and public interest law. By working in various settings, students can identify their interests and preferences, helping them make informed decisions about their future specialization.

·       Building Professional Skills:
During an internship, students develop crucial skills that are essential for legal practice. These skills include legal research, drafting legal documents, client communication, and courtroom procedures. Interns often assist with case preparation, attend court hearings, and participate in client meetings, giving them a practical understanding of the legal process. The ability to work under pressure, manage time effectively, and adhere to professional ethics are also key takeaways from internships.

·       Networking Opportunities:
Internships provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to build relationships with legal professionals who can offer mentorship, advice, and potential job opportunities. Networking is a critical aspect of career development in the legal field, as connections made during internships can lead to future employment or referrals. The relationships formed during internships can also provide guidance and support as students transition from law school to their professional careers.

Clerkships: A Gateway to Judicial Insight

Clerkships, particularly judicial clerkships, are highly prestigious positions that offer law students and recent graduates the opportunity to work closely with judges. These positions are often viewed as a gateway to understanding the judicial decision-making process and are highly sought after by law students.

·       Understanding the Judicial Process:
Judicial clerkships provide an unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of the court system. Clerks assist judges in researching legal issues, drafting opinions, and managing case dockets. This experience allows clerks to observe the judicial process firsthand and understand how judges interpret and apply the law. The skills developed during a clerkship, such as legal writing, analysis, and attention to detail, are invaluable for any legal career.

·       Enhanced Legal Writing and Research Skills:
One of the primary responsibilities of a judicial clerk is to conduct legal research and draft opinions or memos for the judge. This work requires a high level of precision and clarity, as judicial decisions often set legal precedents. The experience gained during a clerkship significantly enhances a law student's or graduate’s legal writing and research skills, making them more competitive in the job market. These skills are transferable to any area of legal practice and are particularly valuable for those interested in litigation or appellate work.

·       Career Advancement and Prestige:
Clerkships, especially those with federal judges or in appellate courts, are highly regarded in the legal community and can open doors to prestigious job opportunities. Many law firms, particularly those focused on litigation, value clerkship experience and may offer higher starting salaries to candidates who have completed a clerkship. Additionally, a clerkship can serve as a stepping stone to other prestigious positions, such as roles in academia, government, or appellate advocacy. The prestige associated with a judicial clerkship can have a lasting impact on a lawyer’s career trajectory.

Law Review: Academic Excellence and Publishing Opportunities

Law review is an academic journal run by law students, and it is often considered one of the most prestigious extracurricular activities in law school. Participation in law review is a significant achievement that demonstrates a student's legal acumen, writing skills, and commitment to scholarship.

·       Developing Advanced Legal Writing and Editing Skills:
Law review involves the rigorous process of writing, editing, and publishing scholarly articles on complex legal issues. Students who participate in law review develop advanced legal writing and editing skills, which are highly valued by employers. The process of writing a law review note or comment requires in-depth research, critical analysis, and the ability to articulate complex legal arguments clearly and persuasively. These skills are essential for any legal career, particularly in areas that require strong writing, such as appellate advocacy, academia, and legal research.

·       Publishing Scholarly Work:
One of the most significant benefits of participating in law review is the opportunity to publish scholarly work. Having a published article in a reputable law journal can distinguish a student in a competitive job market and demonstrate their expertise in a particular area of law. Published work also contributes to the broader legal community by advancing legal scholarship and influencing the development of the law. For students interested in academia or specialized legal fields, publication is a critical achievement that can enhance their professional reputation.

·       Leadership and Collaboration:
Law review is not only about individual writing; it also involves collaboration and leadership. Senior members of law review often hold editorial positions, where they are responsible for managing the publication process, selecting articles for publication, and mentoring junior members. These leadership roles provide valuable experience in project management, teamwork, and decision-making. The collaborative nature of law review also fosters strong relationships among members, creating a network of peers and professionals who can support each other throughout their careers.

Conclusion

Internships, clerkships, and law review are integral components of a successful legal education, each offering unique benefits that contribute to a law student’s professional development. Internships provide practical experience and networking opportunities, while clerkships offer insight into the judicial process and enhance legal writing skills. Participation in law review demonstrates academic excellence and provides publishing opportunities that can distinguish a student in the job market.

These experiences not only enhance a law student’s resume but also equip them with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in the competitive legal field. As you navigate law school and plan your career, consider how these opportunities align with your goals and how they can help you achieve success in your chosen area of law.

If you have questions about how to maximize your law school experience or need guidance on pursuing internships, clerkships, or law review, reach out to our Hotline. Our experienced attorneys are here to assist you in making the best decisions about your future legal career.