Internships are available in the district attorney's office within all counties in Massachusetts. Students can intern in the Appeals division working within the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. District court internships are available for first-year students interested in observing trials, arraignments and motion hearings. Second and third-year students can intern in the district court and actually practice and argue real motions before the court. Applications for summer internships are due no later than the second Friday in February.
The Massachusetts Attorney General's (AG's) office offers internships during the school year and during the summer. Interested students must email the coordinator for more information. The summer program begins Monday, June 6, and ends Friday, August 12.
The fastest way to employment at a large Massachusetts law firm is to work as a summer associate before graduating law school. Partners directly observe law students in their work within the firm and determine whether the student has the skills and talent to be a good fit long-term. Associates participate in mock trials, social events and community service. Associates can also expect to receive feedback from lawyers on their performance in the summer program.
Massachusetts law students can also pursue public-interest internships in firms and legal organizations that benefit certain groups of people. Public-interest firms often work with those who are discriminated against or indigent. Legal-aid clinics often seek the help of qualified and hardworking law students to help assist individuals in need of legal representation. Public-interest groups also work on environmental issues and First Amendment conflicts and religious liberties.