If you think a career in public interest law might be right up your alley, there are several ways you can find out more about the field before making that final decision. First, sit in on a trial or two at your local or state courthouse. Write down questions you have and terms or actions you do not understand. Then, talk to your school counselor and ask for help in setting up a telephone or in-person interview with a lawyer. Ask questions and get the scoop on what the career is really all about. Also, talk to your counselor or political science teacher about starting or joining a job-shadowing program. Job-shadowing programs allow you to follow a person in a certain career around for a day or two to get an idea of what goes on in a typical day. You may even be invited to help out with a few minor duties.
You can also search the Internet for general information about public interest lawyers and current court cases. After you have done some research and talked to a lawyer and you still think you are destined for law school, try to get a part-time job in a law office—preferably one that specializes in public interest law. Ask your counselor for help.
If you are already in law school, you might consider becoming a student member of the American Bar Association. Student members receive Student Lawyer, a magazine that contains useful information for aspiring lawyers. Sample articles from the magazine can be read at https://abaforlawstudents.com/stay-informed/student-lawyer-magazine/.
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