1L and 2L Richmond Law students will spend the summer working in law firms, public interest agencies, and administrative offices.
Regardless of where you are working this summer, here are a few tips for making the most of the experience:
Identify a mentor – Choose someone from whom you can learn this summer. With luck, this will become a contact for you in years to come (and a possible reference).
Be flexible – You may be asked to assume responsibilities outside the scope of your job description. Having a good attitude, a willingness to learn, and an ability to take on new projects will serve you well.
Ask questions – Learn as much as you can about your work environment. If you’re given a project that you do not understand completely, ask questions. The more that you know, the better you can accomplish your job.
Maintain high quality – Whether your position is paid or unpaid, whether you’re doing a project for a senior partner or a junior associate, provide high quality work. With luck, your written work could serve as a writing sample for future job applications. Across the board, your work will solidify your reputation.
Take notes – Keep a list of your assignments and projects throughout the summer. This list will help you update your resume, and it can be provided to your supervisor if you request a reference.
