It's Come to This: Unpaid Internships For Lawyers With One - Three Years Experience

There is nothing wrong with taking an unpaid internship. When you are just starting out and looking to get some experience under your belt, internships can be a great opportunity.
It’s just that usually lawyers who have been through three years of law school and passed one of the most difficult bar exams in the country aren’t in the position of having to work for free.
But times are tough. And at least one law firm in Menlo Park, California is ready to capitalize on the desperation of young lawyers. Here’s the key part of their Craigslist ad:

The current economic climate has made it difficult for young lawyers to find paid positions. Employment prospects improve with experience and a stronger resume. Good experience with a top notch firm is what we offer. If you can realistically make a six to twelve month commitment and can get by without compensation (other than billable travel, mileage, parking and related expenses), this is an excellent opportunity. We cannot make any promises of future paid positions. Candidates who have proven and distinguished themselves during internships, will be considered for future paid positions with the firm.

Let’s look at the positives of not earning any money and do a reader poll after the jump.


Taking this unpaid internship could lead to an excellent conversation with your parents:
“Hi mom, hi dad. Remember how you dissuaded me from pursuing a Ph.D in modern literature because you said I — and I’m quoting here — ‘wouldn’t be able to get a real job with such a BS degree?’ Remember how you pressured me to go to law school instead? Well, I now have a great opportunity for a legal job, despite the recession. Pay? No, it doesn’t pay. Don’t you read the papers? Anyway, should I just send my rent and bills directly to your house, or will you be putting my living money directly into my account?”
When I abandoned my legal career to start in journalism, I initially took an unpaid internship. Aside from the great experience, another positive is that all of the people you work with blow smoke up your ass about how you are overqualified for the position. It makes you feel really good on your coffee runs.
Also, the firm itself seems like a lovely place to work. From the Criagslist ad:

Our office is located in scenic Portola Valley. We work in a country setting, just 5 minutes from Highway 280 and 15 minutes from the San Mateo Superior Courthouse. We enjoy the deer and other wildlife visiting the creek which runs along our building. There is always plenty of parking. The trail head to the Windy Hill Reserve and Trail System is a short walk away.
This is a good place to work. We strive for excellence. We emphasize team work in a family atmosphere with flexible scheduling.

Mmm … venison.
You know the people who say they love their job so much that they would do it for free? Are any of those people lawyers? Take our poll below.

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