How to Network and Land a Legal Internship This Summer
One of my favorite things to talk about—especially with students and aspiring lawyers—is networking.
It’s not just a buzzword; it’s one of the most powerful tools you have when trying to break into the legal field, especially when you're just starting out. I always tell students: don’t wait until law school to build your network. Start now.
So many students ask me, “How can I get a job in law if I have no experience?” It’s a fair question, especially when most online job listings require prior legal work or limit roles to current JD students.
If you’re an undergrad trying to get your foot in the door, it’s simple: you need to start talking to people.
Summer internships are crucial for both pre-law and law students because they allow you to see from the inside what it is really like to be that type of attorney. These opportunities not only help build a stronger resume, but also give students firsthand exposure to different areas of law. In the long run this will help you clarify what kind of legal career you want to pursue—and sometimes more importantly, what type of legal career you don’t want to pursue.
Networking opens doors that experience alone often can't. In fact, most of the roles I’ve had in my career didn’t come from cold applications or grades—they came from conversations. I didn’t need to have the highest LSAT score or the best GPA. What I had was the ability to connect with people. I learned to ask about their path, listen with curiosity, and let them know that I was someone open to learning.
For example, one of my students recently attended a networking event hosted by his school’s pre-law society. Before he went, I coached him to be bold—shake hands, ask thoughtful questions, and if a conversation clicked, ask for a business card. He did exactly that. He followed up with a few of the attorneys he met, and as a result, he landed a summer internship with a prominent lawyer at a major firm. Not because of grades or test scores. Simply because he wasn’t afraid to talk to people.
Read below for a few actionable ways to expand your network.
If you want to do the same, here are a few actionable ways to expand your network:
Join your school’s pre-law society and attend any speaker panels or networking mixers.
Visit your career center and ask if they can connect you with alumni or attorneys willing to speak with students.
Reach out to professors or staff who have legal backgrounds or connections. They’re often more excited to help than you’d think.
Contact local law firms. Seriously, just search “law firms near me” on Google Maps. Look at their websites, find an email or phone number, and introduce yourself. Say you’re a student interested in law and would love the chance to chat with someone about what it’s like to work in the field. A simple fifteen minute (virtual or in-person) chat over coffee can go a long way.
Volunteer. Look into local legal volunteer opportunities in the area you will be in for the summer. For example, you can type into Google “Legal Volunteer Opportunities Near Me” and find a variety of work!
If you're applying to law schools, reach out to the admissions or alumni relations office and ask if they can connect you with any current students or graduates practicing law. It shows initiative and genuine interest.
One of my students who has done an incredible job at networking shared this advice when I asked him to reflect on what’s worked for him:
"My best advice would be to comb through your university alumni page—they usually have emails attached that you can use to reach out! A lot of people overlook this, but alumni are often more willing to help than you think, especially when they see you’re proactive and genuinely interested.
When you reach out, don’t immediately jump into asking for a job or internship. Instead, take the time to build an actual connection with the person. Learn about their work, ask thoughtful questions, and show sincere interest in their journey. Once that relationship starts to form and there’s mutual rapport, then you can naturally bring up whether they know of any summer internships or job opportunities. Waiting a bit shows respect and long-term thinking.
As my mentor once told me, 'One real connection is worth a hundred phony ones.' And I’ve found that to be true every step of the way."
— John Graham, San Diego State University, Class of 2026.
It might feel uncomfortable at first. You might feel like you're bothering someone. You're not. Most attorneys remember what it was like to be in your shoes, and many are eager to help someone who shows effort and curiosity.
Ultimately, networking isn’t about asking for a job. It’s about building relationships, getting advice, and showing people you’re serious about your future.
Every conversation is a step closer to the legal career you want.
