How University of the Cumberlands Pre-Law Students Gain Real Law Firm Experience Before Graduation

At University of the Cumberlands, students preparing for law school don’t have to wait until graduate school to experience the profession firsthand. Through a dedicated pre-law program, students build a strong academic foundation while receiving personalized guidance from a pre-law advisor, ensuring they are prepared to apply to and excel in law school. 

That preparation is already paying off.

Recently, pre-law student Lorelai Coleman ’29 secured an internship with the 1818 Law Firm in Williamsburg, Kentucky, gaining hands-on legal experience while still completing her undergraduate degree.

From Cumberlands Student to Practicing Attorney

Ryan Lawson, ’19, knows exactly what the journey from UC student to professional attorney looks like.

After graduating from University of the Cumberlands, Lawson earned his law degree from Liberty University School of Law and went on to practice civil litigation and business law in Montana. In 2024, he returned to Eastern Kentucky to open 1818 Law Firm, bringing his career full circle.

Now, he’s investing in the next generation of legal professionals.

“We’ve tried to develop a strong internship program,” Lawson said. “Everyone we’ve had so far has been from Cumberlands, and it’s worked out really well.”

His approach reflects a broader reality: Cumberlands graduates leave prepared for their careers—and often look for ways to open doors for the students coming behind them.

How Cumberlands Students Land Law Internships

For many students, landing an internship feels competitive or out of reach. But Lorelai Coleman, ’29, took a more direct approach.

“I knew Mr. Lawson was an alum of the department and that he had opened his own firm close to campus. So, I thought it would be a good opportunity to reach out to him and learn what insights he had to offer. I also wanted to inquire about internship opportunities,” Lorelai explained. 

Lawson says Lorelai’s “go-getter” mindset is common among Cumberlands students.

“We see a lot of that self-initiative from Cumberlands students,” added Lawson. “If we can take them, we will typically take them. Or, if I can’t, I try to connect them with other attorneys or offices.” 

What Law Firms Actually Look for in Interns

Legal work is technical, but success in a law firm often comes down to something simpler: people skills.

“The people skills Cumberlands students bring to the table are excellent—being able to look somebody in the eye and to carry themselves well. As an employee, that’s had to find these days,” Lawson explained. 

At Cumberlands, professional development is built into the student experience.

“Cumberlands students have access to professional development experiences that teach them the skills they need so they can go into the workplace or graduate school and truly excel at whatever they set their mind to,” he added.

What Pre-Law Internships Really Involve

Unlike the passive “shadowing” many students expect, law firm internships at 1818 Law Firm involve meaningful, day-to-day responsibilities.

Lorelai’s experience includes:

• Answering client phone calls 
• Conducting intake interviews 
• Communicating with current clients 
• Observing court proceedings

While interns aren’t leading cases, they are actively contributing while representing both themselves and University of the Cumberlands in a professional setting.

“Participating in an internship shows you the full picture of the profession,” Lorelai said.

Why Internships Matter Before Law School

There’s often a gap between what students think a legal career looks like and what it actually is.

Internships close that gap.

“Having an internship is so important because it shows you what you’ll actually be doing. You see TV shows and movies, but that is not a complete picture,” said Lorelai. 

That clarity matters. For students considering law school, it can confirm their direction or help them pivot early.

“If you're looking into a field that you're not sure about, see if you can reach out to somebody for an internship or even a shadowing opportunity,” added Lorelai “It’s a great way to see if your future career is actually something you can see yourself spending the rest of your life doing.”

As Lorelai says, the principle applies across disciplines. Whether a student is pursuing law, healthcare, business, or education, early hands-on experience provides insight that a classroom alone can’t replicate. It allows students to test their assumptions, refine their goals, and move forward with greater confidence.

From Classroom to Career

At University of the Cumberlands, experiences like these are a key part of how students prepare for what comes next. Through a combination of academic rigor, personalized advising, and real-world opportunities, pre-law students graduate with experience, clarity, and confidence in their path forward.

Pre-Law and Internships at Cumberlands

The pre-law program at Cumberlands helps prepare students for admission to respected law schools through rigorous coursework, personalized advising, and opportunities to develop skills in legal research, analytical reasoning, argumentative writing, and public speaking. That preparation has produced strong results: 100 percent of recent pre-law graduates who pursued law school were accepted into one of their top three choices.

Learn more about the pre-law program at University of the Cumberlands.

Want to put what you’re learning into practice before graduation? Explore internships and career development at Cumberlands.