How does one arrange an internship with a lawyer or law firm? -

Our nearly 14 year old homeschooled son wants to become a lawyer. I think by 15 or so he should be interning or volunteering or otherwise working with a lawyer/law firm, but don t know how to arrange this. I don t know how to suggest he arrange it, either. He reads constantly, history, politics, law, military history, and philosophy mostly. He s also in homeschool theater, getting lots of What should he/we be doing to get him on track for applying to college for pre-law goals? Thanks so much for your time.

As has been noted, the best way to arrange for your son to experience the inner workings of a legal practice is to make carefully selected phone calls. Be aware, however, that there are good reasons to not do this, or to be careful about the sort of exposure your son has to the law. I suspect you do not want your son to be exposed to the clients of a criminal law firm, or to be involved in the nastiness of a family law practice. Also, be aware that lawyers and law schools tend to prefer candidates with a record of interests and accomplishments outside the law. It may be better to have your son intern or volunteer with legally active social-justice organizations. This shows not only an interest in the law, but an interest in community. And if your son changes his mind about being a lawyer (or is unable to attend law school, for whatever reason) he has a more versatile background.

Hi Cassandra! I suggest you look through your phone book, and call a few law offices to see if they are interested in offering your son an internship/volunteer position. It will be better if he makes the calls himself, as this will show them that he takes initiative and is very interested. It sounds as if you are already quot;on trackquot; for his acquiring experience and education that will serve him well in the future in law school. Many lawyers I have met are in the performing arts, which makes a lot of sense as when they litigate cases it is a quot;performancequot; on behalf of their client/s. The main thing in college is to declare a major and minor, as the rest is liberal arts and sciences. Best wishes.

Ill tell you when you grow up