Facts

I have selected an externship with “Extern Organization Name” because the sponsor is the Head of Litigation at a large law firm. As I stated above, law is an area that I am interested in but, unfortunately, have not had much first-hand exposure to. My parents studied biology and engineering in college and we have no lawyers in the family. By shadowing this sponsor, I would, first of all, be able to see up-close what law is all about, specifically litigation, and also see the day-to-day functioning of a prominent NYC law firm. Since this is a very large law firm, I imagine I would also have the opportunity to interact with lawyers with other specializations as well. In addition, I am curious to know why the sponsor thinks the practice of law is a splendid way to spend one’s working life.

I see an externship as a quick and clever way to experience life as a lawyer without actually going to law school. Law is a long and difficult path and while I am interested in it, I do not want to take the path unless I have seen for myself what the result is like. By shadowing a real lawyer and speaking to him about his experiences, I would get an insider’s edge to help me make my decision. I feel that this is much more valuable than anything I could learn from books. This experience would help me decide whether this area of law, or even law itself, is what I truly want to do for a living.

In addition to personally observing the practice of law, I would also be able to ask my sponsor his or her opinions about many aspects of law, law school, and career options since he or she has likely been in my situation