So you’re setting your sights on law school. Excellent! As you map out your academic journey, consider incorporating internships into your plan. While internships can bolster your resume, their true value lies in the practical experience and skill development they offer. Here’s why pre-law internships—even those outside of traditional law firms—are a strategic investment in your legal future.

What Is a Pre-Law Internship?

The first thing to know is that there’s no set definition of a “pre-law internship.” Many students work in a wide array of different fields. This is because positions in traditional law firms are often hard to come by for undergraduates, as they’re typically reserved for current law students.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Legal-adjacent internships—roles that intersect with law, policy, advocacy, or public service—can offer rich, relevant experience and help you build a compelling law school application.

Legal-Adjacent Internships to Consider

Here are some examples of internships that can be valuable for pre-law students:

• Government Agencies: Intern with your local city council, state legislature, or federal agencies like the Department of Justice or Environmental Protection Agency.
• Public Defender or District Attorney’s Offices: Some offices offer undergraduate internships focused on case prep, research, or administrative support.
• Nonprofits and Advocacy Organizations: Work with groups focused on civil rights, immigration, environmental law, or criminal justice reform.
• Policy Think Tanks: Gain experience in legal research, policy analysis, and legislative tracking.
• Corporate Compliance Departments: Learn how businesses navigate regulations and legal risk.
• University Legal Counsel Offices: Some universities offer internships in their legal departments, especially for students interested in education law.
• Court Systems: Shadow clerks or assist with administrative tasks in local, state, or federal courts.

Remember: This is not an exhaustive list of opportunities. There are plenty of students who explore outside of these fields (tech, finance, even healthcare!) and still go on to law school! At the end of the day, do what interests you the most.

Transferable Skills You’ll Gain

Even if your internship isn’t in a law firm, you’ll still develop skills that are highly relevant to legal practice:

• Research and Writing: Legal research, policy briefs, and grant writing all hone analytical thinking.
• Communication: Whether you’re drafting memos or speaking with stakeholders, clear communication is key.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating policies, interpreting regulations, and solving problems build your legal reasoning.
• Professionalism: Navigating office dynamics and managing responsibilities prepares you for law school and beyond.
• Ethics and Confidentiality: Many legal-adjacent roles require discretion and integrity—core values in legal practice.

Where to Find These Opportunities

Finding these internships may take some digging, but here are great places to start:

• Handshake: Villanova’s career platform often lists internships tailored to students. Sign up for an account, fill out your career interests, and receive tailored messaging and relevant opportunities.
• Policorner.com: A platform specifically designed for students interested in law, policy, and government.
• Idealist.org: Search for internships with nonprofits and advocacy organizations.
• USAJobs.gov: Federal internships, including legal and policy roles.
• State and Local Government Websites: Look for internship programs in legislative offices, courts, or municipal departments either in your hometown, city, or state.
• LinkedIn: Use filters to find internships in legal-adjacent fields and connect with relevant Villanova alumni in fields or companies that interest you!
• Career Center: Meet with our Career Development or Industry Advising team so we can help you identify opportunities and prepare your application materials.

Final Thoughts

Remember: you do not need to intern at a law firm to be a competitive candidate for law school. Law schools value diverse experiences and the skills you bring to the table. Whether you’re working in a nonprofit, government office, or corporate setting, what matters most is your ability to reflect on what you learned and how it shaped your interest in law.

Still unsure where to start? Schedule an appointment with your pre-law advisor, or our Industry Advisor for Non-Profit, Government, & Social Impact. They can help you identify opportunities that align with your goals and interests.