Internships form a crucial part of a law student’s academic journey. They not only provide exposure to the practical functioning of the legal system but also help students develop vital skills like research, drafting, and client handling. Whether you’re a first-year law student or in your final semester, landing a good internship can open many doors in the legal profession. In this article, we explore various internship opportunities for law students in India, where to find them, and how to apply effectively.
Table of Contents
Why Are Legal Internships Important?
Before diving into where and how to apply, it’s essential to understand why internships hold such weight in the field of law:
- Practical Experience: It offers firsthand exposure to courtroom procedures and client dealings.
- Skill Development: Enhances research, writing, and communication skills.
- Networking: Builds connections with lawyers, judges, and firms.
- Resume Building: Strengthens your CV for future job applications or higher studies.
- Career Clarity: It helps decide whether you want to practice litigation, join corporate law, or pursue academia.
Types of Legal Internships
| Internship Type | Work Environment | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Law Firm Internships | Corporate legal work, M&A, IPR, contracts | Students interested in corporate law |
| NGO Internships | Legal aid, public policy, human rights | Those aiming for the judiciary or litigation |
| Judicial Internships | Work under judges in courts | Those aiming for academia or an LL.M |
| In-house Legal Departments | Legal work within a company | Aspiring corporate lawyers |
| Government Internships | Legislative research, RTI, policy work | Students interested in public service |
| Research Internships | Academic writing, legal journals | Those aiming for academia or LL.M |
Top Internship Opportunities
1. Law Firms
Law firms are one of the most sought-after places for internships. These firms handle corporate clients, legal drafting, and litigation matters.
Top Law Firms in India Offering Internships:
| Law Firm | Location | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| AZB & Partners | Mumbai, Delhi, etc. | Email resume to internship@azbpartners.com |
| Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas | Pan India | Apply via firm website: https://www.amsshardul.com |
| Khaitan & Co | Mumbai, Delhi, etc. | Application through the website internship portal |
| Trilegal | Bangalore, Delhi, etc. | Internship application through the website or referrals |
| Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas | Pan India | Internship application through website or referrals |
Note: Apply 3–4 months in advance, as law firms have limited slots.
2. Courts and Judiciary
Interning under a judge gives unparalleled insight into judicial reasoning and court procedures.
Popular Judicial Internship Opportunities:
| Court | Location | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court of India | Delhi | Write to the concerned judge with a cover letter |
| High Courts | State capitals | Approach judges through a personal application |
| District Courts | All districts | Approach judges through personal application |
Ensure you have a formal application with a recommendation from the faculty or the internship cell.
3. Government Agencies & PSUs
These internships are ideal for those interested in policy-making, public service, or civil service.
| Agency/PSU | Internship Details | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Law Commission of India | Research-based, policy-centric | Apply on the SEBI website under “Careers” |
| NHRC | Human rights law internship | Apply online at nhrc.nic.in |
| SEBI | Securities and investment law | Application form available on the ministry’s site |
| Ministry of Law & Justice | Legislative research & drafting | Application form available on ministry’s site |
4. NGOs and Think Tanks
These internships help students understand the grassroots legal realities and are especially enriching for those with a passion for public interest law.
| Organization | Area of Focus | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| PRS Legislative Research | Policy analysis | Apply via website: prsindia.org |
| Human Rights Law Network | Legal aid, litigation | Email your CV and writing sample |
| Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy | Research & Policy | Apply through their careers page |
| Centre for Policy Research | Public policy | Mail resume to internship coordinator |
5. In-House Legal Departments
MNCs and large Indian companies offer internship opportunities in their legal departments.
Common In-House Legal Internship Providers:
| Company | Industry | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| TATA Group | Conglomerate | Internship opportunities via the college placement cell |
| Infosys | IT | Mail resume to legal.hr@infosys.com |
| Reliance Industries | Energy/Telecom | Apply via HR or official internship portals |
| Hindustan Unilever | FMCG | Internship opportunities via college placement cell |
How to Apply for Legal Internships
Applying for internships may differ across organizations, but here are general steps you should follow:
1. Prepare a Strong Resume
Your resume must be precise, free of errors, and reflect your academic background, moot experience, writing skills, and any previous internships.
2. Draft a Professional Cover Letter
- Address it to the concerned person.
- Mention why you are interested in their organization.
- Highlight relevant skills or coursework.
3. Follow Up Professionally
If you don’t hear back within 10–15 days, send a polite follow-up email asking about the status of your application.
4. Apply Early
Most reputable organizations prefer applications at least 3–4 months in advance.
5. Use Platforms & Portals
You can also apply through platforms like:
| Platform | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Internshala | Internship listings across sectors |
| Lawctopus | Legal internship notifications |
| Direct HR contact and networking | |
| Indeed | Internship/job listings |
| MyLawman | Legal internships and call for papers |
Tips for a Successful Internship
- Be punctual and respectful.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Be proactive in taking up assignments.
- Keep learning and note down observations.
- Ask for feedback at the end of your internship.
Key Questions
Q1. How early should I apply for a law internship?
Apply at least 3–4 months in advance to increase your chances.
Q2. Are unpaid internships worth doing?
Yes, especially if they offer quality exposure and learning.
Q3. Can first-year law students apply for internships?
Yes, NGOs and small legal aid groups are ideal for beginners.
Q4. What should I include in my internship resume?
Academic details, moots, research papers, and previous internships.
Final Thoughts
Internships are gateways to a successful legal career. From understanding procedural laws to mastering the art of legal drafting, internships shape your journey from a law student to a practicing legal professional. Be strategic, apply early, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s a courtroom, a law firm, or an NGO, every experience adds value to your growth in the legal domain.
