I've worked and consulted at a variety of New England firms and find that all give marginal training to interns (those below paralegal status or without a paralegal degree) or guffaw at the thought of sharing what one's "day in the life" is like. Let me know if this is commonplace at your firm too. Namely interns or students are not allowed to do more than ensure supplies are present, and that errands and copy jobs are completed. When interns ask about cases or to learn more about what a paralegals' roles are they are scolded or not taken seriously.

Any thoughts?

I agree. Attorneys don't view staff as potential paralegals or legal interns unless they express a desire to do so and someone likes them enough to take them under their wings. Staff job descriptions do not include legal work or legal intern. If a staff wants to become a paralegal or legal intern, it should take relevant courses and apply for a job geared towards that. Working at a law firm itself is not going to lead to legal work.