Effectve way to get 0L legal experience and contacts? Forum

[eye]

I don't know anyone in the legal field and would like to make some contacts. I'm looking to get any kind of legal experience and get a better idea of what I want to do after law school.

Is it acceptable to do cold walk ins and ask for internship/volunteer opportunities? I'm thinking just get a whole bunch of leads from the phone book and internet and follow accordingly.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[sapp]

I'd start by talking to friends/family/coworkers etc. You'd be surprised how many people know someone that practices law and usually you can get a connection that way.

Other than that you can try the phonebook/email/call approach or search the way you would search for any job.

I've heard that http://www.martindale.com is a great directory for attorneys (and free!).

[Sobriquet]

I would also look at volunteer opportunities through Idealist.org. In this economy, you are probably going to get a public interest job your 1L summer and it definitely helps if you have some volunteer, non-profit type experience/interest on your resume, even if you eventually want to work at a law firm.

[eye]

Thanks for the links!