Student Guide for Paralegal Internship
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Contact Information
Nilufar A. Jamir, LL.M.
Director of Paralegal Studies
610-359-5264
Email
Responsibilities of the Student Intern Securing an Internship
- All students must complete an application form available in Student Employment Services and Co-Op Center (SELCC), from the Director of Paralegal Studies or on the website to apply for an internship. Please note this application includes a faculty recommendation form that needs to be completed by a PLG faculty member. Application deadlines are: spring interns must apply by October 15, summer by March 15 and fall by June 15. Once you have completed the application form, you can obtain all necessary materials under the Student Employment Services and Co-Op Center. Review this information immediately and let the Director of Paralegal Studies know if you have questions. Retain the materials and review prior to starting the internship.
- You must work at your internship for a total 180 hours. If taken during the fall or spring semester, the student will normally work approximately 10-12 hours per week. In summer, a student will normally work seven weeks for 25-30 hours per week.
- Both the Paralegal Studies Program and SELCC maintain leads to internship sites. You may contact the Program and SELCC for a list of such leads. Students should also review the attached list of sources to locate a paralegal internship. When choosing an internship site, try to find a setting that fits your employment goals as internships may lead to full-time employment. The setting may be in the private or public sector.
- A carefully drafted cover letter and resume outlining all your relevant work and educational experiences will need to be submitted along with your application. Do not underestimate the importance of previous non-legal experiences. The Program and SELCC both offer useful information on resume writing. Program and SELCC staff are available to meet with students individually to review resumes and to conduct mock interviews. Please take advantage of these services. A few hours of work with meeting with Program and SELCC staff can save you weeks of frustration later in the process.
- When you interview with prospective internship supervisors, make sure that they realize that they must provide you with practice in developing paralegal-level skills. Course credit cannot be rewarded if this requirement is not met.
- It is not essential that you be paid to receive credit for the internship. However, many interns receive compensation for their services. Paid interns should receive a fair hourly wage, in keeping with state and federal employment laws.
- All internships must receive prior approval of the Director of Paralegal Studies. There is a small amount of paperwork that the prospective internship supervisor needs to complete. Once the internship is approved, provide the SELCC with the name and address of the attorney, name of the office, and the starting date of the internship. You should confirm the internship well in advance of starting the internship.
- If students are already working in the legal field, they may file a request to use their place of employment as their internship site. The attached Request Form must be completed and submitted to the Director of Paralegal Studies for approval.
Registering for PLG 199
- To receive credit for the internship, you need to register for PLG 199. In order to accomplish this, you need to meet with the Director of Paralegal Studies who will register you for the course.
- Under some circumstances, an internship may begin prior to registration. The Director must approve this arrangement.
- The Co-Op/Internship Student Agreements included in this packet must be signed and turned in to the Director of Paralegal Studies before starting the internship.
During the Internship
- Provide your supervising attorney a copy of the introductory letter if you have not previously done so.
- About half-way through the internship your seminar professor will contact you to arrange a visit to your office or a phone conference with your supervisor(s), followed by a separate in-person meeting with you. Office visits should include separate meetings with your supervising attorney and you. The visit normally takes about an hour and requires only 10-15 minutes for your supervisor. You are required to keep a daily journal about your internship experiences. Please have the journal available for the onsite visit or in-person meeting.
- You may also be required to make your journal available during your weekly internship seminars. You must also submit your daily journal at the end of the internship as well as a report detailing your internship experience. Details on both the journal and report will be provided by your seminar professor.
If you have any questions regarding the internship, contact Nilufar A. Jamir, LL.M., Director of Paralegal Studies Room 3304, Academic Building; Delaware County Community College 901 S. Media Line Road Media, PA 19063. By phone at 610-359-5264 or Email.
