How to Create an Internship Program That Actually Works with Adam Rossen

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Feb 18, 2025

Adam Rossen, founder of Rossen Law Firm, shares valuable insights on crafting effective internship programs in the legal field. He highlights the evolution of such programs from informal to structured experiences that emphasize hands-on learning. Adam discusses the importance of teaching vital soft skills like client communication and trial presentation. He also addresses the contrast between the glamorized perception of criminal defense work and its demanding reality, advocating for a balance of planning and organic experiences to enhance interns' learning.

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ANECDOTE

Early Internship Program

Adam Rossen started his firm's internship program informally, inviting interns to "hang out" and observe.
Early interns like Manny Sarojovich, now the firm's managing partner, benefited from this immersive experience.

INSIGHT

Perception vs. Reality

Interns often have misconceptions about criminal law, influenced by TV shows.
The reality involves less glamour and more "shoveling crap," as Rossen puts it.

ADVICE

Program Structure

The Rossen Law Firm internship has evolved into a structured program with two tracks.
One track is for high school students, and the other is for undergrad and law students.

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Are you a law firm owner who is looking to create an internship program for your firm? In this episode of the Maximum Lawyer Podcast, Tyson chats with Adam Rossen, who shares insights on the successful internship program at Rossen Law Firm. Adam discusses the evolution of the program and highlights the value of informal yet immersive experiences for interns.

Internships within the legal space are important experiences that help prepare law students for life as a lawyer. Adam talks about the significance of good internship programs and why law firms who don’t have them need to create a viable program. Internship programs will look different across firms, but it is crucial to sit down and think about what aspects of being a lawyer should be taught to interns. Does your program involve tasks like research, client intake or trial support? Think about what soft skills need to be taught like effective client communication and projecting confidence when presenting a case at trial. As a law firm owner, it is important to provide interns with the skills they need to be successful and think about how your internship program can improve as the years go on.

Internships also provide students with the chance to differentiate perception versus reality as it relates to working in the legal space. Many who watch legal dramas, like Law and Order might be fooled into thinking law and law enforcement are the same as what is shown on TV. Adam emphasizes that the legal space is not glamorous at all times. There is a lot of hard work that can take months to complete as a case makes its way through the criminal process. There is also a lot of administrative work involved and interactions with different types of people that can make the work both exciting and stressful.

Listen in to learn more about how to create a successful internship program!

02:34 Starting the Internship Program

09:51 Program Structure and Requirements

15:02 Introduction to Internship Curriculum

22:29 Curriculum Components

34:25 Curriculum Structure for Interns

42:42 Confidentiality and NDA for Interns

Tune in to today’s episode and checkout the full show notes here.

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