Give me one reason why I shouldn’t help you
I’m looking for a summer law job. And I’m a first year law student, so I’ve been told that in “this economy” I’ll be super lucky to find anything. I suppose that’s true. But here’s the catch: I’m offering up my insane work ethic *for free*. There are just a few caveats, which will comprise my traditional unordered list:
- I have to be able to work in or around Iowa City, at least most of the time. Telecommuting is no prob.
- The offer is only good if I get to help lawyers use technology to improve efficiency, better meet their clients’ expectations, etc.
- There has to be some element of real legal work (I can’t be a free code monkey, which would entail knowing something to code anyway).
- I hope for a policy- or industry-level tie-in. That is, wouldn’t it be great to help make something that helps everyone work more effectively??
My career services counselor at school suggested I contact the ABA’s eLawyering division. Not a bad idea…
For anyone that stumbles across this, here’s my dorky personal career goal:
“I hope to shape policy enabling convenient access to knowledge that people need to make important life decisions. Specifically, I think there are many opportunities for law firms and lawyers to save time and money while presenting traditional legal advice and services in ways that are easier for modern consumers to comprehend. From document automation/standardization to chat/txt/email correspondence to online portals that wholly replace a brick-and-mortar presence, a combination of today’s technology and good design can ensure that the legal community excels at serving its clients’ needs. I want to help lead the transformation.”
If that didn’t make you barf, please contact me via email or Twitter.
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We have some technology projects that you might be able to help us with if you’re interested. Our office in Iowa City is also using students to help with pro se clinics. However, if you have tech skills we might have a couple of projects of interest.
Comment by Patrick McClintock — March 5, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Hi – Here at Montana Legal Services, we have some projects that might be of interest to you. We have one stipend paid internship left and are willing to use a remote intern. Contact me if you are interested.
Comment by Alison Paul — March 30, 2009 at 9:54 am
[...] Once you have the skills, be sure to leverage them: offer to assist a professor or student organization in building a website or compiling and analyzing useful data. Tell your online friends and followers about your special skills and interests. Chances are someone will notice and reward you for your efforts (this is how I got my summer job). [...]
Pingback by Advice For Up-and-Coming Law Students: Get Some Computer Skills — June 23, 2009 at 8:03 pm
[...] services-types who read their email newsletters) knows that I got my 1L job through Twitter and this here blog. There a lot of reasons why social media, and Twitter in particular, is good for finding a job. [...]
Pingback by Twitter is valuable: a few examples | Laura Bergus — September 26, 2009 at 2:21 pm