In a recent piece on Above the Law, law students’ increasing interest in exploring the in-house experience was discussed. However, it was also highlighted how challenging it can be for professionals to provide a meaningful experience for such students.
There were three key tips outlined to help improve the quality of internships.
- Have A Designated Guide: This person acts as a ‘go-to’ for interning students. The corporate legal environment can be intimidating and having a friendly face that a student can turn to with questions can help soften this. In addition to simple introductions and office tours, this coordinator would manage work assignments and act as a facilitator between the student and the rest of the legal department.
- Be Intentional With The Work: Offering varied experiences to an intern is important, as is explaining and unpacking these experiences for them. This could involve inviting them to relevant meetings and hearings, or even having them draft important deliverables. By talking through why certain things are done and letting them experience how they are executed, an intern can gain deeper insight into the workings of a corporate legal department.
- Reflect And Refine: This tip highlights the importance of reflecting on internship experiences to further improve the process. Creating a standard operating procedure and onboarding process that could be replicated (and improved upon) in future, can ensure a meaningful experience for future interns.
The article was authored by Meyling “Mey” Ly Ortiz who is in-house at Toyota Motor North America. A proponent of mentoring and fostering a sense of belonging, she champions the value in creating substantive and beneficial intern experiences. Further commentary on this subject can be followed up on her LinkedIn Profile.