Saper Law Offices: Internship and Immersive Program Opportunities

Saper Law is dedicated to fostering emerging legal talent through practical, hands-on experiences. The firm offers diverse programs designed for students at various academic levels, from high school to law school. These programs provide unique insights into the legal profession, with a focus on areas like intellectual property, business law, and digital media. Daliah Saper, the Principal Attorney at Saper Law, is a prominent figure in the legal field, frequently appearing on national broadcast news networks and lecturing globally. Her expertise and the firm's commitment to education make Saper Law a valuable place for aspiring legal professionals to gain experience.

Law Clerk Program

Saper Law's Law Clerk Program offers law students the chance to collaborate closely with the firm's attorneys on a range of cases. These cases often involve trademark, copyright, defamation, and business law. Through partnerships with schools nationwide, Saper Law accepts a select group of law students each semester to participate in this program, providing them with hands-on legal experience.

Saper Law Immersion Program

The Saper Law Immersion Program is an intensive, week-long summer experience designed to introduce undergraduate students to the legal field. This program is held at the Saper Law Offices in Chicago, IL. The program's curriculum includes negotiation and writing exercises, mock legal proceedings, and visits to state and federal courthouses. A significant portion of the program focuses on entertainment, business, and internet-related legal case studies. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Program Details:

Location: Saper Law Offices, Chicago, Illinois
Focus: Legal writing, negotiation exercises, and mock legal proceedings, with emphasis on business, technology, and entertainment law.
Activities: Field trips to law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, along with guest lectures from legal professionals.
Additional Components: LSAT preparation and personal statement writing.
Class Size: Limited to 40 participants for an interactive environment.
Cost: $875, with need-based scholarships available.
Dress Code: Casual but presentable.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund if canceled by June 30.

The Saper Law Immersion Program, now in its 11th year (as of 2024), offers high school and college students an exciting opportunity to explore legal career paths in one week. The course is taught by Daliah Saper and other Saper Law attorneys. The curriculum includes negotiation and writing exercises, field trips, and mock legal proceedings. Past guest lecturers have included figures such as former Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Evelyn Sanguinetti, and attorneys from various legal sectors. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a suggested deadline of July 15.

Legal Extern Program

Saper Law partners with Northwestern University’s Chicago Field Studies Program (CFS) to offer undergraduate students opportunities to gain legal experience. The Legal Extern Program provides students in the CFS program with exposure to an intellectual property firm and the chance to learn directly from attorneys. Daliah Saper, as the Principal Attorney at Saper Law, directs the program and teaches the course with assistance from other firm attorneys.

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The Value of High School Internships

Internships offer high school students practical skills, industry exposure, and professional connections. According to PRISM, a consultancy, a significant percentage of students attending top universities have completed at least one internship during high school. These experiences help students stand out in the college admissions process and clarify their career goals. Internships also provide a foundation for future college internships and pre-professional organizations.

Finding Legal Internships for High School Students

Online search tools and lists are effective resources for finding legal internships. The StandOutSearch database and MIT Admissions provide helpful lists of internship programs for high school students. Due to the competitive nature of official programs, a cold outreach strategy can also be effective.

Additional Internship Programs for High School Students

Besides the programs offered directly by Saper Law, numerous other internships cater to high school students interested in law. These programs vary in location, duration, and focus, providing diverse opportunities for students to explore the legal field.

1. Jimerson Birr's School Internships - Business Law

Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students able to work at the Jimerson Birr office in Florida.
Details: This 4-6 week summer program offers an inside look at a dynamic law firm, focusing on business administration and legal processes. Students develop transferable skills applicable to law, economics, and psychology.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks.
Details: A selective, virtual start-up internship program where students work with high-growth start-ups in various industries.

3. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP)

Location: New York City Bar, New York
Stipend: $15 - $21/ hour
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who live in or attend school in Manhattan.
Details: This program offers the chance to explore a legal career by working in a professional law office, along with professional development programs.

4. Law Links Internship

Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Stipend: $15/hour
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors attending a Baltimore City Public High School and living in Baltimore City.
Details: Participants gain practical experience in a law firm or legal organization while earning an hourly wage, along with participation in the Law & Leadership Institute.

5. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP)

Location: Dallas, Texas
Stipend: $10+/hour
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors with an academic average of 85 or above and no more than 10 absences.
Details: Students are placed in law firms, corporate legal departments, or non-profit organizations, completing legal research, administrative tasks, and office support.

6. Memphis Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Stipend: $500
Eligibility: Minority rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school as of August; a resident of or attending a high school in Shelby County, TN.
Details: This program offers a structured opportunity to work in a legal setting, focusing on students from underrepresented backgrounds.

7. The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program for High School Students (SLIP)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: Paid
Eligibility: Atlanta area high school juniors and seniors.
Details: An internship providing firsthand experience in the legal field through administrative work, legal research, and mentorship activities.

8. Summer Law Institute (SLI)

Location: New York City, New York
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
Eligibility: 8th graders and rising 9th graders from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.
Details: A five-week summer program introducing students to criminal law concepts and legal skills.

9. Communities in Schools (CIS) of Houston Summer Legal Internship Program

Location: Houston, Texas
Stipend: Paid
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in Houston.
Details: An 8-week paid internship at Houston-area law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies.

10. Nashville Bar Association High School Intern Summer Program

Location: Metro Nashville
Stipend: Paid ($10-$15/hour) and unpaid internships available
Eligibility: Seniors and rising seniors.
Details: A program placing diverse high school students in legal settings, focusing on real-world legal experience, networking, and mentorship.

11. Summer Legal Institute

Location: Available in different locations
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students.
Details: A five-day immersion program providing high school students nationwide the opportunity to explore the world of law in depth.

Additional Opportunities

StandOut Connect: Matches gifted high school students with online internships in various sectors, including law.
New York University High School Law Institute (HSLI): A free program offering courses in constitutional law, criminal law, and speech and debate.
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Internship: Interns assist with day-to-day tasks and other legal tasks.
Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program: A five-week internship providing an insider’s view of the criminal justice system.
New York Courts: Internships with a state or federal judge.
Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice: Volunteer positions open to graduate and law students, paralegals, undergraduate, and highly motivated high-school students.
New York City Courts: Summer internship enabling students to be knowledgeable about different careers in the court system.
North Carolina Senate Page Program: Offers students the opportunity to learn about and participate in the legislative process of North Carolina.

Cold Outreach Strategy for High School Internships

For students unable to secure a position through established programs, a cold outreach strategy can be effective. This involves contacting professionals directly to inquire about internship opportunities.

Steps for Cold Outreach:

Identify Target Organizations: Focus on smaller companies that may need additional support.
Find Contact Information: Use online university staff directories to find professors or professionals in the legal field.
Personalize Your Approach: Find personal connections with the professionals you reach out to.
Prepare a Resume: Create a one-page resume highlighting your skills and experience.
Craft a Compelling Email: Use a template to structure your email, expressing your interest and highlighting your qualifications.

Email Template for Internship Inquiry:

Subject: Internship Inquiry

Dear [Professor/Dr./Mr./Ms. Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a rising [Grade Level] at [Your School]. For context, [briefly state how the company relates to your interests or experience].

I was wondering if you might be looking for interns. I know I would have a great deal to learn from working with you, and I would love to contribute in any way I can.

I have included my resume here.

Thanks so much!

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Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Email Template for Research Position Inquiry:

Subject: Student Reaching Out

Dear Professor/Dr. [Last Name],

I hope you are having a great day! My name is [Your Name], and I am a rising [Grade Level] at [Your School]. I recently read your paper on [restate the abstract] in [name of publication] and was quite intrigued by [part you found interesting].

I was wondering if I might be able to intern for you over this summer. [Elaborate on your relevant skills and experience and why you are passionate about the field].