What Should I Expect From A Law Internship?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A legal intern’s duties vary based on the needs of the firm and the student’s level of experience, but typically includes basic office work such as

copying and filing, legal research, client assistance and aiding lawyers with paperwork and courtroom preparation

.

What can I expect from a law intern?

A legal intern’s duties vary based on the needs of the firm and the student’s level of experience, but typically includes basic office work such as

copying and filing, legal research, client assistance and aiding lawyers with paperwork and courtroom preparation

.

What do you learn from a law internship?

By assisting in courtroom proceedings, you will gain an in-depth understanding of court processes and protocols. You could also be tasked with

preparing documents and files for mediation

, which gives you a chance to put what you learnt at college to good use.

How do I prepare for a law internship?

  1. Start thinking about specialties and eliminating the ones you don’t like. …
  2. Build a legal network. …
  3. Learn about politics and office culture. …
  4. Closely observe how lawyers deal with a legal problem. …
  5. Learn how to conduct legal research.
  6. Ask intelligent questions.

What makes a good legal intern?


Being respectful and having the right attitude

are some of the most qualities to ensure success at your internship. … Having secured a legal internship is a win whether you’re an undergraduate or current law student. An internship is your best opportunity for networking and can be a substantial resume booster.

What do law firm interns do?

The interns experience

hands-on work with attorneys and investigators

, interact with scores of clients, assist with case organization and research, prepare motions and other written documents for the benefit of actual clients, and attend a variety of court hearings.

What do law interns wear?

The dress code for a legal internship can range from anything from

completely casual (e.g., blue jeans) to business formal (e.g., suit and tie)

. Wearing the incorrect clothing can cause stress. It might even make the difference between whether you receive a full-time job offer at the end of your internship.

How long is a legal internship?

Length of the program. Clerkships mostly range from

4-15 weeks

but the number of weeks differs depending on the firm. The number of weeks may also alter year to year.

Why are internships important for law students?

An internship can teach you various skills like teamwork, time-management, maintaining a controlled environment with your co-interns, and patience. For law students, some specific important things like logical acumen,

articulated writing style and speaking skill

can be well developed by interning.

What skills should lawyers have?

  • Analytical and research skills. …
  • Attention to detail. …
  • Organizational skills. …
  • Time management. …
  • Persuasive communication. …
  • Written communication skills. …
  • Interpersonal skills. …
  • Technical skills.

Are law internships paid?

There are large-size firms, boutique firms, small firms, public interest organizations, and a variety of other legal entities that hire paid law school interns. … Don’t forget about paid internships at the law school either! Most law schools offer a variety of research assistant positions and these are paid.

Do internships matter for law school?

No.

Law schools do not require that applicants have an internship or experience in a legal setting

. Most legal internships are designed for law students who have learned how to research and write like lawyer.

How do I get the most out of my legal internship?

  1. Put yourself out there. …
  2. Go to lunch with your boss. …
  3. Stay on top of your assignments. …
  4. Get a good writing sample. …
  5. Ask for feedback—good and bad. …
  6. Have an exit interview. …
  7. Send a thank you card.

What is legal intern?

Legal intern means

a graduate of a law school

, which has been approved by a recognized accrediting association, who has not yet been admitted to a State bar.

Can I intern at a law firm?

Basically, an internship at a law firm is

designed to give law students valuable insight into the professional lives of attorneys and judges

. They perform research and write memoranda, manage case files, do filing, copying, attend client meetings, attend trials hearings, arguments, etc. Internships are usually unpaid.

How do you describe a legal internship on a resume?

  • Drafted, reviewed, and revised a wide range of legal documents for staff attorneys.
  • Produced retainer agreements, contact letters, and various publications and handouts for clients.
  • Conducted legal research regarding family, civil, and property issues.
  • Performed client intake and client interviews.
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.