A Pre-Law internship is a practical learning experience that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting. Internships can help students build their networks and gain valuable experience.

The MTSU Career Development Center supports the following definition of an internship:

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. Additionally, in a formal, structured program with faculty supervision, there is the opportunity to improve the curriculum and impact academic research.

This definition closely mirrors the definition by the National Association of Colleges and Employers published in their Position Statement on U.S. Internships.  

Depending on your career aspirations and personal circumstances, you can seek pre-law internships with private practicing attorneys, judges, courts, District Attorneys, and legal organizations such as Legal Aid.

There are many subject areas you can pursue — corporate law, family law, international law, criminal law, immigration law, etc.

The best course of action is to reach out Dr. Lisa Langenbach, the Director of Internships, to inquire about possible internships to fit your interests. Additionally, PGA sends out tons of information to students about opportunities – check your MTSU email often, as well as our social media and the bulletin boards in Peck Hall.

You will be required to have taken PS 2440: Law and the Legal System. Some internships will want you to have taken Legal Writing and Research as well. Study hard in these classes, which are designed to prepare you for realistic legal work.

Some other tips for preparing for a pre-law internship:

• Polish your resume with examples of your writing/research skills, customer service and public speaking skills, and organization/time management skills, etc. You can visit the Career Development Center for resume tips or use their virtual sessions & Document Drop option to get help online.
  
  We maintain a YouTube channel that hosts curated playlists for topics like Resume/CVs, Interviews, MTSU resources, etc. You can check this out here.
  
  
• Get active on campus, the community, and the PGA department. You can check out MyMT for all of the student organizations on campus, but you may be particularly interested in the Legal Studies Society, Mock Trial, and MTSU Speech and Debate.
  
• Study hard in your pre-law courses. Get advising often from your pre-law faculty, and also, check out the professional development opportunities PGA offers routinely throughout the semesters, including bringing in guest speakers, law school admissions staff, LSAT study sessions, etc.
  
• Prepare for interviews. You can visit the Career Development Center for help with interviews, professional attire, resumes/cover letters, and more.
  
  MTSU also hosts a Career Closet. Students to be able to put their best foot forward when seeking that internship or first job post-graduation. Thanks to MTSU Alumni, faculty, and the local community, the Career Closet has professional attire for both men and women (suits, jackets, slacks, shirts, ties, skirts, scarves).
  
  At the Career Closet, students may acquire one full outfit each school year. Student workers and/or Career Center staff are available to assist you in finding professional attire that meets your needs.