Staff Internship Program

The Ward and Smith Staff Internship Program is an initiative to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workforce.

While we have had a longstanding internship program for law students, we have created this program to expand our opportunities to include professional staff positions.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Collaboration

At Ward and Smith, we recognize that our commitment to our clients goes hand in hand with our dedication to building a workforce that reflects our communities. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration among individuals with diverse backgrounds and ideas is essential for maximizing our firm’s effectiveness.

Our Staff Internship Program is designed to provide meaningful professional development and networking opportunities for staff members from various backgrounds. Engaging in this program will benefit our firm and the interns as they gain exposure to the legal profession and potential career paths within it.

Strategic Staff Recruitment Approach

As part of our strategic approach to staff recruitment, we have established partnerships with several esteemed educational institutions. These partnerships allow us to offer internships to a wider range of talent, creating opportunities for individuals who may not have considered a career in the legal field.

Our partnering institutions include:

Positive Feedback from Collaborating Institutions

We are proud to have received positive feedback from the institutions we collaborate with.

Vicki Coleman, the Paralegal Technology Chair at Pitt Community College, expressed gratitude for the career opportunities our program offers to paralegal students. She emphasized the value of real-world experience and exposure to different career pathways that our internships provide.

Beverly McMillen, the Career Development Coordinator at West Craven High School, also highlighted the significance of our program in providing hands-on experience to students who may not immediately pursue higher education. We are thrilled to be able to offer valuable opportunities to students at these institutions. Read more.

You can also learn more about how our program has paved the way to full-time careers for paralegal interns in this article in Carolina Paralegal News.

Current Internship Locations

Currently, we are hosting interns in our Asheville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington offices.

Staff Internship Program Details

Ward and Smith works with high schools, community colleges, and technical schools to recruit interns for positions in paralegal, legal administrative assistance, and office services assistance. The program lasts around three months but can be extended as needed.

Throughout the internship, participants will have access to a variety of opportunities and experiences, providing valuable insight into the inner workings of a law firm. They will work on projects with paralegals and other staff members from various departments and practice areas. They will be provided with guidance and support throughout the internship process, helping them improve their skills and expand their professional network.

Application Process

We collaborate directly with educational institutions to provide these internship opportunities. Interested high school and college students are encouraged to contact their respective high school counselor or Career Service Office for more information on our internship program.

If your school has not partnered with us before, please have them contact Stacey Clark, the firm's Human Resources Coordinator, at snclark@wardandsmith.com .

Investing in the Future of Client Service

By collaborating with local high schools, community colleges, and technical colleges, we aim to create a diverse talent pipeline that will contribute to our firm's growth and success.

We look forward to offering our staff internships to the next generation of legal professionals. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Thank you for considering Ward and Smith as an opportunity for professional development.