Participation in volunteer and shadow opportunities gives you the chance to gain experience outside of the classroom. Most professional schools will expect that you have completed multiple shadow, volunteer, work, or internship experiences and emphasize the importance of these experiences because they allow you to:
- Explore legal careers and make sure the nature and work of the field matches your interest and skills
- Gain both knowledge and experience about the law field
- Demonstrate your commitment to helping others
- Network with professionals who can help you discover other career or internship opportunities
Check out these resources and suggestions for getting started with volunteer and shadowing experience.
- Check out service opportunities with the Center for Civic Engagement
- Join a student organization focused on service or professional development
Research
Research is a great way for you to learn more about your specific areas of interest, engage with faculty members, and develop analytical skill sets. Approach a faculty member about options for research or apply for the UNL UCARE program. The UCARE program supports undergraduate research with faculty members engaged in research and creative activities at UNL.
- Check out UCARE
- Connect with opportunities in your Academic Department
Student Organizations
Student organizations provide you with a great way to connect with students who share your academic, social, and/or service interests. They also allow you opportunities to network, volunteer, and take on leadership roles. Several law-related student organizations feature speakers who are professionals in the field, arrange tours of law-facilities and professional schools, assemble panel presentations with current students studying at law schools, and/or develop specialized programs concerning financial aid, the LSAT, or application processes.
We encourage students to check out both pre-law related organizations (see some examples below) and non-law organizations of interest.
- Mock Trial Organization (Special Interest)
- Pre-Law Club (Academic/Professional)
- Explore UNL Student Organizations
Work Experience Or Internships
Gaining practical work or internship experience in any kind of field helps you to develop professional skills, clarify career interests, strengthen self-confidence, build leadership skills, and establish references/professional contacts. Experience may be paid or unpaid, and many UNL academic departments allow you to earn academic credit in conjunction with an internship.
- Visit with a Career Advisor at UNL Career Services for help getting started on your job or internship search
- Review Career Service's Gaining Experience Guide
- Use Husker Hire Link and other search tools to explore your options
Summer Opportunities
Summer is a great time to expand your horizons and develop your skill sets! We encourage you to look into opportunities to study or work abroad, gain a domestic internship or job related to the law field, or participate in special law programs and seminars.