With law having been selected by you as your career path and whilst you might still be in law school or you have graduated from a reputable law school in Vietnam or overseas, unfortunately, just earning decent grades may not be enough to help you find a good job in one of those big well known law firms you’ve dreamed of in Vietnam. More often than not, you need to have that certain edge that will make these law firms consider you. And what will make a difference in jump-starting your career is through an internship in one of the law firms that you want to apply to.
You might ask why internships are necessary when you have already learned the law in school. Nonetheless, many law firms in Vietnam will require experience which can be gained through an internship. Often the following process will need to be followed when pursuing an internship in law firms:
1. Look for law firms that offer internships
Your law school would definitely know the names of such law firms and would coordinate with them to accommodate you in their training programs. You could also check on the internet to find suitable law firms, including their website, and if necessary, write to the law firms via email or even call them and ask if they offer internship programs. While you are at it, inquire as to what kind of internship they offer – is it full-time or part-time and whether it is paid/compensated or not. Another choice would be to read blog that advertises law firm internships, and you might be amazed at the recommendations being offered.
2. Write a cover letter and your resume
Applying for an internship is much the same as a fulltime paying job. Make sure that you create a resume that lists your educational background and work experience related to law. It is best if your cover letter is printed on stationery with the law school’s logo to show your affiliation. Explain why you want to do your internship with them. Make sure that you clarify what kind of law practice you intend to engage with in the future.
3. Be ready for an interview
Should you be successful thus far and a law firm gets in contact, you need to be ready for an interview. They usually ask mundane questions similar to a job interview or ask about things that you already wrote down in the cover letter. When the interview comes, make sure that you have already researched all the possible professional answers to their queries.
Law firm internships provide insight and experience in the corporate culture that prevails in the firm. For new lawyers, it is actually a form of a pre-evaluation, where the firm partners can check out your abilities before considering you as a full time employee. It depends on the program that they implement, since they might not allow you to handle major clients initially or if they do, they will assign reduced client work. Whatever an internship may entail, it will equip you with skills needed for real legal practice.
