Volunteer opportunities before law school Forum

[prelaw10]

I applied this cycle, but anticipate that it won't turn out well. I am moving on to Plan B --> retaking LSAT in sept & applying super early next cycle.

I'm trying to be positive and see this delay as an opportunity to gain a little real world experience before jumping into law school (I am in undergrad).

Can anyone on this board suggest specific nonprofit organizations that might be appropriate for inexperienced 001Ls like me? I'm looking for an internship/volunteer experience that will actually be meaningful and will give me at least a small window into the legal field. Am I asking too much as a lowly 001L? Are these opportunities reserved for law students? Should I try working as a non-paid research assistant for a prof?


Short version of q: What kind of meaningful (nonpaid) work opportunities are available for prelaw recent college grads?

Thanks!

[oberlin08]

I applied this cycle, but anticipate that it won't turn out well. I am moving on to Plan B --> retaking LSAT in sept & applying super early next cycle.

I'm trying to be positive and see this delay as an opportunity to gain a little real world experience before jumping into law school (I am in undergrad).

Can anyone on this board suggest specific nonprofit organizations that might be appropriate for inexperienced 001Ls like me? I'm looking for an internship/volunteer experience that will actually be meaningful and will give me at least a small window into the legal field. Am I asking too much as a lowly 001L? Are these opportunities reserved for law students? Should I try working as a non-paid research assistant for a prof?


Short version of q: What kind of meaningful (nonpaid) work opportunities are available for prelaw recent college grads?

Thanks!

This is really an open book, you can do almost whatever you want if youre willing to do it for free. I suggest think of something that is personally meaningful to you, that you'd enjoy doing fr a year and then talk about it in a personal statement or addendum. It doesnt have to be law related for adcomms to find it meaningful, interesting, and valuable

[TTH]

Find something you enjoy. One year's worth of anything isn't going to make a ton of difference.

But if you absolutely want people to name occupations, I'd try selling meth.

[Doritos]

Find something you enjoy. One year's worth of anything isn't going to make a ton of difference.

But if you absolutely want people to name occupations, I'd try selling meth.

[Honeysuckle]

I'm interested in doing the same thing. Court Appointed Special Advocates is a meaningful opportunity, especially if you wanna go into Family/Child Advocacy law...

http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.m ... A/Home.htm

I hope this helps!

[iShotFirst]

There are lots of organizations begging for unpaid volunteers in your local community. Without knowing where that is, its hard for anyone to answer, but I'm sure if you look around in your community for these opportunities you should be able to find one at least tangentially related to the legal field. Its tough for anyone here to answer as there arent going to be many national organizations that answer your question.

[prolyphek]

I serve with AmeriCorps. You recieve a monthly stipend and education award after completing 900 hours of sevice, if you do regular AmeriCorps you do 25 hours per week, if you do AmeriCorp Vista you do 40 hours per week and get full benifits.

[prelaw10]

Is Americorps competitive? Does it require recommendations/long essays?

This cycle has really burnt me out, I know I sound lazy (maybe I am, at this point) but I don't think I can stand filling out another comprehensive application.

More importantly, did you enjoy your experience? Was it worthwhile?

[BigFatPanda]

[strike]smuggle[/strike]...oops... i mean, volunteer to rescue children out of Haiti and Chile in the name of your god.

[Honeysuckle]

Is Americorps competitive? Does it require recommendations/long essays?

This cycle has really burnt me out, I know I sound lazy (maybe I am, at this point) but I don't think I can stand filling out another comprehensive application.

More importantly, did you enjoy your experience? Was it worthwhile?

Yeah, they require 2 LORs and a brief essay. The competitiveness depends which program you are applying to.

City Year is also a great opportunity--I just applied for it. Next app deadline is April 15:
--LinkRemoved--

[Panther7]

Find something you enjoy. One year's worth of anything isn't going to make a ton of difference.

But if you absolutely want people to name occupations, I'd try selling meth.

I work at an emergency shelter, and i've found the job to be highly rewarding... an experience nobody would understand until they do it (i thought i did, but it WILL blow your mind). technically i'm "security", but i work on the ground level with social workers and clients and at many times i'm the 'ranking' staff on duty. it's not for everyone, but i wrote my PS about that and i have zero doubt that it helped me during my cycle.