If you’re anything like me, you probably looked at clinics and externship programs at law schools when you were submitting applications. Clinics sound so exciting and all schools have a variety of them in different fields. To be honest, law school clinics sounded like everything I hoped to learn about and achieve as a lawyer.
On the other hand, the process is confusing. I don’t mean that the process is confusing here at LLS, just that as a first-year law student there is so much to do and so much to learn about. In addition to your classes, you are learning about 1L summer opportunities, working on your resume, interview skills, getting involved in clubs and organizations, etc. And sometimes clinics, externships or law review might get lost in that.
Here’s my advice: look up the things you are interested in and set up a meeting with those in charge. If your favorite clinic is led by a professor, email them and ask if you can meet with them to discuss the clinic, how to get it, etc. This not only sets you apart, but it also gives you a lot of information that you might otherwise struggle to come by.
Bottom line though: don’t stress. Things will fall into place if you’re looking for them, and as long as you’re not afraid to ask questions, everything will be okay. Law school can be overwhelming at times, but there’s no need to make it worse for yourself. Just do some Googling on your free time and ask around. That will slowly get you way ahead.
Til next time,
Leilee
