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Is this seen as being acceptable or no? Say I go up to an attorney who has his own small firm in a practice area that I am interested in. Is it fine to ask if he would be willing to take on summer interns or do I just get his contact info and send an email latter?

I think there would be no problem with you saying that you're interested in his practice and asking if he's hiring for summer interns and, if so, how to apply. Asking for a job on the spot is probably a no-no, but short of that, expressing interest is sort of the point of networking events.

If he's not hiring, you can also ask if he knows of anyone else doing similar work who might be hiring.

"What kinds of internships would position a law student well to work at your firm/become an attorney like yourself?"

If they have a program and they're interested in you, they'll obviously lead with that. If they only hire 2L's/3L's, it will still lead to a worthwhile and appropriate networking conversation and will give you a leg up if you're interested in them down the road.

I would personally just try to make a connection first. Then as I learn more about the attorney, ask about their practice and express an interest (if genuine).

I was basically offered an internship on the spot in a situation like this. I never followed through because I got something entirely better.