4 Law Clerk Volunteer Internship Program helps students prepare for Law School and career in Law
At the request of several placement offices, we have established the Volunteer Law Clerk Internship Program at my private law office. When I was in law school, I didn't have a lawyer or mentor from whom I could get "off the record" advice. Law schools and pre-law programs don't teach students how to practice law or serve clients. We try to "give a chance" to deserving law students and paralegals. I promise you will learn New Jersey Law and Procedures. On your first day, we will provide you with training materials and computer assistance. We provide detailed instructions on office procedures, how to use the Macintosh computer and how to work on litigation files, especially criminal and probate cases.
When I was in law school, we were only told to memorize substantive law and to repeat the law on tests. Very little was taught on how to practice law, work in an office or handle responsibility. Most young lawyers have difficulty adapting in their first law firm job. We now provide law practice management skills such as using computers in litigation, completing time sheets and interview/investigation techniques.
All participants are given instructions how to handle phone calls, draft letters in response to correspondence and discuss how files are set up. You will use the Macintosh to type, spell check and print form letters to clients informing them of hearings or motions. Law Clerks read the files and are permitted to handle phone calls out to obtain information needed, such as speaking with police and prosecutors to obtain discovery and police reports.
Many law firms use law clerks as research only and tools. Law Clerks handle day-to-day telephone follow up tasks and chase adversaries and government departments who failed to respond to our Requests for Documents or did not comply with subpoenas. There are many responsibilities, which each law clerk must assume. They must work as regular employees, appear in professional Court attire and complete assigned work tasks rather than shoot-the-breeze. My own internship experience was not a useful experience because the office I clerked for had no assigned tasks, no specific days to appear and no requirements. By learning through a real work environment, my mentor/internship program prepares students for working with a busy litigation law office. Our office is now successfully equipped to handle 5 part time law clerks since they work on 6 computers. We select students who are willing to dedicate the time and energy needed. It has been a successful program for my office and we hope to continue this unique program for years to come to benefit the students who need an opportunity to learn and prove themselves. We believe you will be satisfied with our program.
We serve as a mentor and reference on behalf of students who finish the program. We show students how to communicate with clients, set up litigation files, obtain police reports, and the importance of marketing. We remain available after their 12-week internship for references and questions. I have a feeling of satisfaction helping the "non- law review, middle and bottom of the class" unemployed students. Someday, when these students become the Chief Justice, they will remember the lawyer who helped them out in the beginning. This personal mentor/internship program has given me friendship and a feeling of accomplishment. We also bridge the gap between school placement offices and the real world by providing career advice and suggestions.
If any other students are also interested, please have them send us a cover letter and resume immediately. We sponsor a statewide website with information on litigation, personal injury, criminal and probate matters. If you can update a website, please indicate so in the first paragraph of your cover letter. This office is committed to excellence and service to clients and the community. Applicants must have attention to detail. We suggest at interview applicants take home of one of each brochure from front reception area on areas we help clients.
Summer - minimum 19 hours per week, 12 weeks School Year - minimum 10 hours per week Sept-May 12 weeks Christmas/Winter Break - minimum 30 hours per week
LAW OFFICE VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS - EDISON, N.J. in person, not virtual Volunteer students will have the opportunity to work in a busy law office and work with real clients. Our volunteer students have gained experience while working in a busy law office, working on NJ State Bar Association projects and dealing with real clients. Students interested in a career in law learn law office procedures, preparing legal correspondence, and assisting clients. This is a live, in person opportunity, not virtual. Work on Criminal, Municipal Court and DWI cases: 1. Contact Municipal Prosecutors to obtain discovery and police reports 2. Contacts with Court and Prosecutor’s Office 3. Prepare hearing notice to clients 4. Speak with clients and witnesses prior to hearings 5. Prepare end of case letters to client Added recent Criminal and Civil cases to our Blog Add new court rules and statute to the Criminal statute blog
WILLS & PROBATE PRACTICE 1. Act as formal witness to Wills, Power of Attorney and other legal documents 2. Work on Motions to remove executors and compel accounting 3. Publicize Will seminars and attend programs free of charge Work on Community Relations and marketing projects including submitting articles to legal websites and search engines and Blogs Fall & Spring interns must work between 10-21 hours per week between Monday and Friday, time and days to be selected by the student. Participants must stick to days and hours selected and make up missed days. The legal interns must work a minimum of 12 weeks. Longer hours or weeks permitted. Interested students must send cover letter and resume. Emal Vercammenlaw@njlaws.com or Mail or fax cover letter and resume. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience as a volunteer intern and learn New Jersey Practice and Procedure. Build your resume and obtain marketable skills. You will handle a client's file and learn details on running a successful law practice. This will not be a brief writing and photocopying clerkship. For additional information on the Law Office, please visit the website at www.njlaws.com. This office is committed to excellence and service to clients and the community. Additional information on internship at http://www.njlaws.com/intern.html | 
