<p>So I realize I have quite a while to go before I even think about applying to law schools as I am a rising sophomore in college, but I am on fence as to whether law is for me. So I was doing some research and looking around and found a law firm in Rochester, where I attend college. The firm, Nixon Peabody is well known for its pro bono work, so I was hoping to maybe either get some sort job or even volunteer to help an attorney on pro bono case. But I am not exactly sure where to start or even if it is worth the time to try it out, as most firms only hire law school students for work and in the case of this firm, it is quite large and pretigous so it may not hire undergrads at all. After some quick surface research, I found a few partners/attorneys/counsels who were alums from my university. </p>
<p>In terms of qualifications my resume is alright, I have three years of work experiance as a webmaster, a year of work experiance as a media specialist, and currently I am interning at a large pharmaceutical company as a technical writer. My gpa is ok, a 3.8. What concerns me is that I am not a trad pre-law student, if such a thing even exists, as I am a computer science and english double major.</p>
<p>So does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should approach them requesting info about law and a possible work oppurtunity to see if law is for me? Should I contact the alums separetely or maybe the firm itself? Any input would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Just walk in, be confident and personable and ask them straight up. That’s what I did and got an internship with a BB pwm firm. It’s probably not the same with a law firm but what’s the worst that’s going to happen?</p>
<p>It’s easier to ignore an email than it is to ignore a well dressed young person, resume in hand, who shows up asking if he/she can schedule an informational interview.</p>
<p>I REALLY disagree with the advice to show up in person. Among other things ,given security these days, I don’t think you’ll get past the security guard in the lobby.First, go to your college career center and see if Nixon Peabody has filed any openings for students. I think there’s at least a 1 in 4 chance that it has and if so, the folks who come in that way will be a lot more successful than someone who just shows up. </p>
<p>If Nixon Peabody hasn’t listed anything with career services, I would write a letter rather than email. I would first use a copy of Martindale-Hubbell and look through the list of partners, looking for a connection. Then write to one–“Hi, I note you went to X college. I’m a student there…” Or " I am interested in IP law and I see that that is your specialty" or “I am writing to you because you are from Kansas. So am I and I am a student at the U of Rochester” or " I am writing to you because you are also a member of Beta Theta Phi."</p>