As a junior in high school, everywhere I go, I am asked two main questions: “Where do you want to go to college?” and “What do you want to do for work in the future?”
To be honest, neither of those questions will be getting a definite answer anytime soon, and that is okay. But there is one field that has consistently captured my curiosity: law.
My name is Mallory Kirkpatrick, and I attend St. Joseph’s Academy. My entire life has been spent living and growing in the St. Louis area, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am currently part of an honors program at St. Joe’s that encourages us to explore potential careers through informational interviewing, shadowing, and internships. This unique program actually allows me to pursue these professional opportunities during the school day, providing the time and flexibility to step out of the classroom and into the workforce.
So, when the opportunity to intern at Stock Legal came along, I didn’t hesitate. With the support of my program coordinator, who helped me seek out and reflect on these experiences, I was excited to step into a professional environment, observe how legal professionals work, and see firsthand what a career in law might actually look like.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was how much teamwork goes into running a successful law firm.
When people think about law firms, they often picture only the attorneys. But during my time at Stock Legal, I saw how many different people contribute to the work being done every day. Administrative staff, assistants, and many other professionals all play essential roles in keeping things organized and moving forward—each one working together and bearing the mission of their firm.
Similarly, the culture that Stock Legal embodies is something that stands out especially. As a high school student, most of my daily life takes place in classrooms and extracurricular activities, so being able to step into such an environment was a completely new experience that has allowed me to flourish in ways I never even thought possible.
I observed how professionals communicate with each other, how meetings are conducted, and how important organization and time management are in a busy workplace. These moments gave me a better understanding of what real-world expectations look like and how people collaborate in the workforce. Being able to take these observations back to my program coordinator to reflect on how they align with my strengths has been an invaluable part of this journey.
It also helped me realize that internships are not just about learning specific job skills; they’re also about learning how to work, communicate, and carry yourself in a professional setting.
My internship at Stock Legal has been an unforgettable experience. It gave me the chance to learn more about the legal profession, observe how a law firm operates, and better understand the importance of teamwork and workplace culture. Most importantly, it strengthened my curiosity about the legal field and reminded me how valuable it is to explore different opportunities while still in school.
While I may not yet know exactly where I will go to college or what my future career will look like, experiences like this internship bring me one step closer to discovering the path that feels right. And for now, that journey of learning and exploration is something I’m excited to continue.
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