I’ve done an extended 2 months purely an internship for experience in Singapore last summer. In my opinion, I would say experience gained is extremely important. Apart from CV and the usual reasons for applying for VPs and TCs, here’s what I have experienced.
1. Exposure to senior lawyers, observe their working styles, speaking to them, picking up some pointers.
2. Understanding the office environment of a law firm.
3. Speaking to other lawyers, establishing friendships, keeping in contact, et cetera
4. Allows you to have a greater understanding of different practice areas, and being more informed into which practice area you may wish to pursue upon graduation.
5. Aid in research for cases, improves your research skills as well.
6. Subtle details you may pick up. For instance, I was speaking to a QC, and I commented that he has the tidiest desk in the office. He told me it gives him a clear mind when working on a specific task. I tried that, and I am doing much better now with a tidy desk.
7. Court exposure. When accompanying a QC for a trial, I noticed he wrote down the exact time from his watch every now and then. I asked him again what was his reason for doing so. He explained that marking key points with the time allowed him to refer back to the points easily and impresses the judge as well.
The list goes on.. Experience is invaluable, you gain none from attending classes.
Mr Tardy, if you have an opportunity, just take it on. There’s nothing to lose and all to gain.
I hope this helps!
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