Through the midst of discovering self identity, future goals, and extracurriculars for college applications, it can be difficult to know how to navigate experiencing the career of law. At Youth for Innocence, we have compiled a pros and cons list of 5 different activities that you can get involved with in high school to gain experience and prepare yourself in the legal field.
1. Youth for Innocence
Youth for Innocence is an excellent choice to learn legal terms and understand cases while creating impact by directly working with pro bono attorneys on wrongful conviction cases. Volunteers would complete a short training to familiarize themselves with case terms and how to collect evidence. Then paired with an attorney on a specific case, they would summarize reporter transcript notes specifically identifying points of interest based on their training knowledge, helping cut down the time it would take to exonerate innocent prisoners! (Link to begin training here)
Pros
flexibility, as volunteer work takes place online
ability to gain leadership positions
easy process to begin working with attorney
gain experience understanding reading cases and identifying points of contention in wrongful convictions
understand issues within the legal system that result in wrongful conviction
direct impact in REAL cases and ongoing justice system issues
Cons
not legally certified, so can only work WITH attorneys
mostly online interactions only
case work can be lengthy
2. Legal Job/Internship
Finding a job at a local courthouse or an internship with your local government can be a great option as well. Many legal offices could be willing to take high school volunteers or hire them. You would most likely assist a lawyer and do clerical work like answering the phone or organizing documents, but it's a great opportunity to network and understand the way a legal office works!
Pros
real world experience in the realm of law
can pick up basic legal knowledge as assistant
be mentored by a practicing attorney
network and develop social skills that may be valuable in the future
Cons
opportunities can be limited based on geographic area
may be difficult to fit into schedule
job can be mundane with just basic tasks
hard to advance in rank, as not legally certified
little impact on actual cases and legal work
3. Pre-Law Summer Programs
What better way to maximize productivity during a break in the school year by immersing yourself in a law summer experience? Pre-law summer programs can offer students flexibility both online and in person, ranging from a few days to 2 months+, where students can become educated on basic legal knowledge, tour law capitals, and gain friendships, skills, and legal experience!
Pros
flexibility with in person/online programs
develop basic legal knowledge through lectures and immersive activities
get educated on current legal issues and reform while receiving college credit
learn with legal experts and socialize/network
Cons
most summer programs are paid and can be extremely expensive
superficial participation that doesn't go beyond simulation activities
no opportunities to advance in leadership, just fun experience
oftentimes too short to make significant impact in legal reform
4. School Clubs/Classes
Activities and classes within your school are also amazing options to choose. Clubs like Mock Trial, Debate, Student Government, and Journal Publications are all great options in developing skills that can be applied in the legal field. Furthermore, classes that are related to law like history, sociology, and legal studies are also helpful in developing the knowledge that is needed in your future law career as well.
Pros
wide variety of school activities that help develop necessary skill sets in law
widely accessible
most clubs allow for leadership positions/advancement
socialize with other students and seek help from mentors to ensure secure knowledge in critical thinking, questioning, and advocacy skills.
Cons
ability to participate in clubs can be limited by personal reasons
limited amount of leadership positions (can also be skewed by "popularity elections")
low direct impact on real world legal issues
loosely related to actual experience in law
5. Other Ways You Can Prepare
Remember that law school is still many years away and you can always change your career path while you discover others. You may have a change of heart during the rest of high school or even college. What's important now is to secure common mindsets and habits that will allow you to be successful for the rest of your endeavors in life, whether in law or not. Strengthen basic skills like reading and writing, keep your grades and knowledge high, and continue to build on positive habits like proactivity, compassion, productivity, and other skills that you will always use. Take care of yourself before all other actions!
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