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Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:18:03 -0700
Andy from private IP, post #11664909
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The law intern business model is one that works
In 2024, I hit upon what is going to be remembered as my best business idea/decision ever. I decided to hire two law interns over Summer 2024 to support the
attorneys in the firm by doing legal research, writing, document review, and other important work. The intention was to multiply the amount of resources each
individual attorney in the firm has to do their work, at a reasonable cost. I was shocked when 75 people applied for the jobs, many from UC Berkeley and
Stanford. I selected the best two candidates, who were both from Stanford. I don't have a thing for Stanford, it's just much more convenient for a Stanford
student to commute to the office because it's the closest major university.
The law interns completely crushed it over the summer of 2024, and I retained one of them part-time during the next school year. This program went so well that
I hired two more law interns for summer 2025, one from Cal and one from Stanford-- also the top two out of 100 applicants. This firm is quickly becoming
populated by exceptionally gifted people, and I like seeing that. The opportunity for these young people is clear: exposure to real, important work at an
actual law firm on actual cases. I also pay way above market so that I can select the best candidates that I actually want.
Every law firm should do this. It's perfect, and these kids are crushing it. I'm very proud, and also it helps a lot to have this type of support.
#LawFirm
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:31:40 -0700
2tierreality from private IP
Reply #12235247
How many years did you run the firm before starting your internship program? Was 2024 the first year?
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:41:25 -0700
Andy from private IP
Reply #17309248
I officially started the firm in 2016, but the current iteration didn't really take off until 2021. 2021 was when we got the current office, which was a
gigantic upgrade. That coincided with a steady upward trajectory. So just under three years from the inception of the current iteration of the firm.
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:42:00 -0700
Andy from private IP
Reply #19416935
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Yes, 2024 was the first year for paid interns. I've had people offer to work at the firm for free, but typically those are not as desirable as candidates.
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:39:18 -0700
whiteguyinchina from private IP
Reply #18359340
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Imdeed the apprentice model was one that functions in this profession
I think law students are also getting wise to the need to get real actual experience
So a win win
Awesome stuff Andy love your positivity
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 16:43:08 -0700
Andy from private IP
Reply #10803645
Thanks! What I really want to do is have these kids go to law school and come back to work at the law firm, because they are so great and they get along
perfectly with everyone. Not sure I can make that happen, but I'm thinking of offering to contribute a meaningful amount toward their law school educations if
they commit to returning to the law firm.
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:49:01 -0700
whiteguyinchina from private IP
Reply #18336213
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I would not contribute to their education. They can always jerk you later. I would offer to pay back their student loans and fangle it some way that you can
deduct it from your business taxes. Nonpayroll compensation or whatnot.
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 22:00:45 -0700
whiteguyinchina from private IP
Reply #11922703
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Also think what would happen if they stiffed you later. Would you sue them? What if they can't find a job and jerk you around? Seems like a nightmare scenario.
And even if you prevailed you'd be the asshole law firm owner going after a poor law student. Offer student loan payback as compensation if possible.
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:11:15 -0700
Andy from private IP
Reply #10002475
@whiteguyinchinaTest, good point, that's a great idea. Paying off
student loans seems better.
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 04:50:26 -0700
Andy from private IP
Reply #16385242
I went over this with one of my employees and they prefer the student loan assistance arrangement. So do I. For each year they work at the firm after law
school, a portion of their loans are erased through a contribution from the law firm. There we go, much more flexible, easier to commit to on both sides, and
makes sense for everyone.
@11664909 2tierreality 👍 @19416935 2604:2d80:ea8e:4700:34c8:2ad3:31dc:6b0 👍 @19416935 2604:2d80:ea8e:4700:34c8:2ad3:31dc:6b0 👍 @18359340 Andy 👍
@18359340 2604:2d80:ea8e:4700:34c8:2ad3:31dc:6b0 👍 @18336213 Andy 👍 @11922703 Andy 👍
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