Internships are the single most important bridge between law school and legal practice. They take you from theory to the real courtroom, from casebooks to client interactions. Internships teach you drafting, research, client handling, court manners, and legal ethics. Beyond skills, they help you discover what kind of law you want to practice — litigation, corporate, policy, human rights, or compliance.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) mandates that law students complete internships as part of their legal education rules. Documenting and certifying these internships is essential not only for your degree but also for enrollment in many practical programs.
Beyond formal requirements, internships multiply your career options. A strong internship record increases your chances at top law firms, clerkships, government bodies, and NGOs. Internships also build mentors and references you can rely on throughout your career.
Why Internships Matter
Let’s be honest: law school can feel like endless books, cases, and notes. You memorise sections, understand legal jargon, but until you step into a courtroom or sit with a lawyer, it’s all theory. Internships are that wake-up call. They show you what law really is. Not just words on paper, but people, disputes, deadlines, and strategies.
The Bar Council of India mandates internships for a reason. Law isn’t learned in isolation. You need to see how judges think, how lawyers argue, how corporations manage legal risk, and how NGOs fight for rights on the ground. Internships let you witness law in action. They push you out of your comfort zone and teach you the nuances no lecture ever will.
Courts, firms, corporates, NGOs, and policy bodies each have their own lessons. Sit in a courtroom, and you’ll see how a lawyer builds a case, how evidence can change the course of justice, how patience and strategy matter. Work in a firm, and drafting, contracts, compliance, and client handling become real skills. Join an NGO, and you see law protecting lives. Policy internships? You watch how ideas turn into rules that affect millions.
And yes, networking matters. Internships connect you with mentors and professionals who can guide, recommend, or even hire you later. Your work — research notes, case briefs, draft petitions — becomes your portfolio, proof that you can handle real legal challenges.
Here’s the truth: students who take internships seriously are the ones doors open for. They get clerkships, top law firm jobs, government posts, and NGO roles. Internships teach, test, and transform you. They show you which kind of lawyer you can be. Skipping them? You’re missing the real law.
Internships are where your law degree starts to matter. Not just on paper, but in the world.
Quick Fact: Law students with at least two internships in relevant areas generally have better placement prospects at top law firms and clerkships.
Types of Legal Internships in India
Law is not one-size-fits-all. And neither are internships. The kind of internship you choose shapes not just what you learn, but who you become as a lawyer. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types, what they teach, and why you should care.
1. Law Firm Internships
Think of law firm internships as the ultimate crash course in legal practice. You’re thrown into client files, contracts, and research notes. You see how deadlines govern life. You watch senior lawyers draft, argue, and negotiate.
Big firms like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas or AZB will have you working on mergers, IP disputes, or compliance. You’ll learn how a tiny clause in a contract can protect millions. Small firms, on the other hand, often give you a chance to see litigation up close — court appearances, hearings, client meetings. It’s messy, chaotic, and real. And that’s the point.
Law firm internships teach structure. How to research efficiently, draft concisely, cite correctly, and collaborate under pressure. If you’re aiming for corporate law, M&A, or litigation later, this is where you start building credibility.
2. Corporate Legal Internships
Corporate internships are a different beast. You’ll be inside in-house legal teams, reviewing contracts, managing compliance, and tracking regulatory updates. It’s less courtroom drama, more strategy and foresight.
You learn how businesses operate, what legal risk looks like, and how to prevent problems before they happen. If your dream is becoming corporate counsel or compliance officer, these internships are gold. They show you how law protects commerce, not just punishes crime.
3. Judicial Clerkships & Internships with Judges
If litigation calls to you, clerking for a judge is unmatched. Here, you’re not filing documents for a client — you’re helping the court itself. You research cases, summarize judgments, draft notes, and observe courtroom behavior.
Supreme Court and High Courts have structured law clerk programs, and the exposure is priceless. You learn the mindset of a judge: precision, impartiality, and clarity. You also get insider insight into how decisions are made — a perspective no classroom can offer.
4. NGO Legal Internships
NGOs fight for rights, justice, and reform. Interning with them is about impact. Human rights, environmental law, labour rights, gender justice — the work is hands-on. You draft PILs, help with legal aid, conduct research, and sometimes, even represent the community in hearings.
The Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) and other organizations often rely on interns to handle real cases, giving you immediate responsibility. Here, law isn’t abstract — it changes lives.
5. Government & Policy Internships
Policy internships let you see how laws are made, interpreted, and implemented. Ministries, commissions, and statutory bodies often run internships where you draft legislative proposals, research policies, and help in advisory tasks.
Department of Legal Affairs and Ministry of Law and Justice programs allow you to work on actual government projects. You understand the intersection of law, governance, and public service — invaluable if you want to influence legislation or regulatory frameworks in your career.
6. Online / Virtual Legal Internships
Remote internships are the new normal. They focus on research, drafting, legal writing, and content creation. Offered by legal-tech startups, research platforms, and NGOs, they allow students anywhere in India to contribute without relocating.
They’re flexible but limited in courtroom exposure. Networking is weaker, but your research portfolio can grow fast. It’s perfect for students juggling multiple commitments or those in cities without major law firms.
Quick Snapshot — Types at a Glance
- Law Firm: Client handling, drafting, M&A, litigation exposure.
- Corporate: Contracts, compliance, risk management.
- Judicial: Research, notes, courtroom exposure, appellate insight.
- NGO: PILs, advocacy, grassroots work, human rights.
- Government: Policy, legislation, advisory tasks.
- Online/Virtual: Research, writing, content, flexible hours.
Quick Comparison Table — Legal Internship Types
| Internship Type | Tasks | Exposure | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law Firms | Drafting, due diligence | Courtroom & client work | Litigation & corporate |
| Corporate | Contracts, compliance | Corporate legal processes | Corporate counsel |
| Judicial | Research, case notes | Courts, judgments | Litigation, judicial careers |
| NGO | PILs, legal aid | Grassroots, policy | Human rights & advocacy |
| Government | Policy drafting | Legislative work | Policy & governance |
| Online | Research, content | Remote, flexible | Research & writing-focused |
Eligibility Criteria for Legal Internships
Year-wise Opportunities
- First Year: NGOs, legal aid cells, remote research. Focus: basic legal exposure.
- Second & Third Years: Junior roles in law firms, corporate internships, short advocacy stints.
- Final Year & Graduates: Competitive clerkships, Supreme Court internships, government programmes.
Skills Required
- Basic legal research & citation.
- Clear writing (memos, notes, briefs).
- Professional communication.
- Familiarity with statutes and case law.
- Preferred: basic drafting skills and relevant coursework.
BCI Internship Minimums
- 3-year course students: Minimum weeks as per BCI rules.
- Always secure certificates for your records.
How to Apply for Legal Internships
Landing a meaningful legal internship is not about sending fifty generic emails and hoping for a reply. It’s about strategy, preparation, and showing that you mean business. Think of your application as your first impression — and in law, first impressions matter a lot.
Step 1: Identify the Target Organisation
Before you even open your laptop, ask yourself: What kind of law excites me? Litigation? Corporate? Human rights? Policy? Your choice will determine how you approach the application.
- Law Firms: Look at their recent cases, practice areas, and culture. Big firms often focus on corporate, M&A, IP, and banking matters. Smaller firms might give you hands-on litigation exposure.
- Judicial Internships: High Courts, Supreme Court, or Sessions Court? Check whether they accept interns through official portals or require direct applications to judges.
- NGOs: Identify causes you care about — environment, women’s rights, labor laws. Research recent PILs or campaigns they’ve led.
- Government: Ministries, commissions, and departments like the Department of Legal Affairs have structured programs. Check official portals for deadlines and forms.
- Corporate: Know the in-house legal teams and the sectors they operate in. Your internship may involve compliance, contracts, or regulatory work.
The key is quality over quantity. It’s better to send ten well-researched applications than fifty generic ones.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV & Cover Letter
Your CV and cover letter are your first argument before a judge — only in this case, the ‘judge’ is the hiring manager or supervising advocate.
CV Tips:
- One-page (maximum two). Concise is powerful.
- Sections to include:
- Contact information
- Education & marks
- Relevant coursework & mooting experience
- Legal projects & internships
- Skills (legal research, drafting, etc.)
- Publications or articles (if any)
- References (faculty or past internship supervisors)
Example: “Drafted 5 research memos on constitutional law issues (500–1,000 words each) and assisted in preparing 2 PILs for Human Rights Law Network.” This tells them what you actually did, not just that you “researched law.”
Cover Letter Tips:
- Keep it short — 3 to 5 paragraphs.
- Paragraph 1: Who you are — year, course, college.
- Paragraph 2: Why this internship — tie it to their recent work or practice area.
- Paragraph 3: What you bring — skills, projects, mooting, research experience.
- Final paragraph: Availability, polite sign-off, and thanks.
Example:
Dear [Name],
I am a second-year BA.LLB student at [College]. I am writing to apply for an internship in your litigation team for June–July. I have drafted 3 research notes on bail jurisprudence and participated in 2 national moot courts. I am available from June 1 and attach my CV for your consideration. Thank you for your time.
Regards, [Name] [Phone] [Email]
Step 3: Apply via Official Channels
Do not rely solely on emails or LinkedIn. Use official and verified channels:
- Email Applications: Most firms and NGOs still accept CV + cover letter via email. Be professional in your tone and subject line: “Application for Summer Internship — [Your Name].”
- Official Portals: Courts, ministries, and government bodies usually have online application forms or portals. Fill them carefully; missing documents or incorrect fields can reject your application instantly.
- Internship Platforms: Platforms like Lawctopus, GovtInternship, LawBhoomi often list verified internships. Follow instructions carefully — some may require faculty recommendations.
- LinkedIn: Short, polite messages work better than long essays. Introduce yourself, express interest, and attach your CV if appropriate.
Step 4: Follow Up
Patience and timing are critical. Wait 7–10 days after applying. If you get no response, send one polite follow-up. If there’s still no reply after a second attempt, move on. Law internships are competitive — it’s better to spend energy on the next target than chase one that isn’t responding.
Pro Tip: Keep a tracking sheet — record the internship, contact person, date of application, follow-up dates, and any responses. This keeps you organized and prevents missed opportunities.
Sample Short Cover Letter
lessCopyEditDear [Name],
I am [Name], a second-year BA.LLB student at [College]. I am writing to apply for an internship in your litigation team for June–July. I have worked on moot court research on criminal procedure and drafted two research notes on bail jurisprudence. I can start on [date] and attach my CV. Thank you for considering my application.
Regards,
[Name]
[Phone] | [Email]
Top Places Offering Legal Internships
Securing the right legal internship can shape your career trajectory. It’s not just about filling a requirement — it’s about choosing a place that aligns with your career goals, exposes you to meaningful work, and challenges you to grow as a legal professional. Here’s a detailed guide to the top internship destinations in India:
Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court offers internships that are among the most prestigious in the country. Interns can work under the Centre for Research & Planning or participate in Law Clerk Schemes, gaining hands-on experience in high-impact matters.
What you get:
- Exposure to constitutional law, landmark judgments, and appellate research.
- Opportunities to draft case briefs, research notes, and summaries for judges and clerks.
- Understanding the functioning of India’s apex court — a rare inside perspective.
Eligibility & Tips:
- Open to law students in their final years or graduates.
- Applications are usually online; follow Supreme Court guidelines precisely.
- A concise CV and focused cover letter highlighting research skills or moot experience helps stand out.
Why it matters:
A Supreme Court internship is highly valued in the legal industry. Alumni often move to top litigation firms, clerkships, or academic positions.
High Courts
Each High Court across India — Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Calcutta, etc. — runs structured or informal internship schemes. Tasks vary, but interns usually assist in:
- Appellate research for pending cases.
- Drafting legal notes, petitions, and judgments summaries.
- Courtroom observation to understand procedures, arguments, and judicial reasoning.
Tips:
- Check the official High Court website or reach out to judges’ chambers for opportunities.
- Include specific references to your research interests or moot court experience in your application.
- Short stints can lead to longer-term mentorships or clerkships.
Ministry of Law & Justice / Department of Legal Affairs
Government internships provide a different perspective — policy, legislation, and regulatory frameworks. These internships focus on:
- Legislative drafting for bills, amendments, or government notifications.
- Policy research and legal advisory tasks for ministries and statutory bodies.
- Structured programs often have fixed application windows, and deadlines are strict.
Why it’s valuable:
- Gain insights into lawmaking and policy implementation.
- Excellent exposure for students interested in public policy, governance, or legislative careers.
Application Tip:
- Follow official portals carefully.
- Highlight research, writing skills, and interest in legislative work in your CV.
Top Indian Law Firms
Internships in law firms are highly competitive but immensely rewarding. Some of the most sought-after firms include:
- Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
- Khaitan & Co.
- AZB & Partners
- Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
- J Sagar Associates (JSA)
What to expect:
- Hands-on exposure to drafting agreements, contracts, and due diligence documents.
- Participation in M&A, corporate compliance, banking, and IP matters.
- Collaborative learning in structured, fast-paced legal environments.
Tips:
- Academic performance and prior internships matter.
- Tailor your application to the specific practice area you’re targeting.
- Highlight previous research, drafting, or corporate law experience.
Legal NGOs & Public Bodies
For students inclined toward public interest law, human rights, or community advocacy, NGOs offer rewarding internships:
- HRLN (Human Rights Law Network)
- NHRC (National Human Rights Commission)
- Regional Legal Aid Committees and NGO initiatives
Tasks:
- Drafting Public Interest Litigations (PILs) or legal research briefs.
- Community outreach and legal aid support.
- Policy research and advocacy campaigns.
Benefits:
- Work on high-impact cases that directly affect communities.
- Build a network of mentors, advocates, and public interest lawyers.
- Ideal for students aiming for litigation, social justice, or academic careers.
Platforms for Internship Searches
Finding the right internship is half preparation, half strategy. Use these platforms:
- Lawctopus – Regular listings for firms, NGOs, and policy internships.
- GovtInternship & LawBhoomi – Government and public sector internships.
- College placement cells & alumni networks – Often overlooked but highly effective.
- LinkedIn – Direct outreach to lawyers, judges, or HR departments.
Pro Tip:
- Combine online search, cold emails, and networking.
- Track applications in a spreadsheet for follow-ups and deadlines.
Stipends and Benefits of Legal Internships
Typical Stipends
| Internship Type | Typical Stipend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government / Supreme Court | ₹3,000–₹18,000 | Based on duration & role |
| NGOs | ₹2,000–₹8,000 | Often modest but high-value experience |
| Law Firms | Variable | Large firms may offer stipends; small firms may be unpaid |
Non-Monetary Benefits
- Mentorship and references.
- Portfolio-building (drafts, research notes).
- Networking with lawyers, judges, and in-house counsel.
- Improved employability and campus placements.
Common Mistakes Law Students Make During Internships
Internships are learning opportunities, but many students unknowingly reduce their impact by repeating simple mistakes. Avoiding these pitfalls can make the difference between a meaningful experience and a forgettable stint.
- Not Researching the Organisation: Applying without understanding the firm’s or NGO’s focus, recent cases, or ongoing projects can leave you unprepared and reduce your chances of selection.
- Poor Communication Skills: Late emails, unclear language, or overly casual tones create a negative impression and can affect responsibilities assigned.
- Not Asking for Feedback: Feedback is the fastest way to improve. Avoiding it can stunt learning and leave you without strong references.
- Ignoring Documentation: Failing to collect certificates, attendance sheets, or signed assessment forms can create problems when reporting to your college or for future applications.
Quick Tip: Maintain a daily internship diary — even one paragraph per day summarizing tasks, learnings, and observations. It helps in reflection, prepares you for reports, and strengthens your portfolio.
Legal Internship Without Contacts — Is It Possible?
Yes, internships can be earned purely on merit.
Strategies
- Polish Your Application Materials: Tailored CV and concise cover letter.
- Target the Right Channels: Official portals, LinkedIn, law school placement cells.
- Cold Email Outreach: Short, specific, showing your value.
- Leverage Faculty & Moot Contacts: Recommendations help, but targeted outreach works without connections.
Virtual Legal Internships — Pros & Cons
Pros
- Work remotely from anywhere in India.
- Structured tasks: research, drafting, legal content.
- Flexible schedule.
Cons
- Limited courtroom exposure.
- Networking weaker than in-person.
- Communication challenges across time zones.
Internship Certificates — Importance and Verification
- Certificates validate your work and are crucial for CVs and future applications.
- Keep originals and signed copies.
- Employers and courts may verify authenticity using emails, assignment sheets, or public work references.
Internship Interviews — What to Expect
Landing an internship is just the first step; the interview is where you prove your readiness and fit. Law students often underestimate how structured these interviews can be, especially at top courts, firms, or NGOs. Preparation is key — not just knowing your resume, but also understanding the organisation’s work and being ready to discuss your contributions.
Common Questions You Might Face:
- Why this organisation? — Show you’ve researched their recent cases, projects, or campaigns.
- Relevant experience — Moots, prior internships, research notes, or drafting work.
- Describe a legal problem you solved — Highlight reasoning, steps taken, and outcome.
- Hours/week commitment — Be clear about your availability and flexibility.
Tips for Answering:
- Keep answers short, factual, and precise. Avoid long-winded explanations.
- Be honest about limitations — if you haven’t worked in courtroom litigation, say so, but show willingness to learn.
- For behavioural or scenario-based questions, use the Situation–Action–Result (SAR) framework: clearly outline the context, what you did, and the outcome achieved.
Pro Tip: Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about work structure, mentorship, and expected responsibilities. It not only demonstrates interest but also helps you evaluate if the internship aligns with your career goals.
Real-Life Examples of Legal Internship Success
1. Judicial Internship Success
A second-year law student applied to a High Court judge with a one-page CV and concise cover letter highlighting mooting awards and a 3-page research note. The judge’s clerk offered a two-week attachment. During the internship, the student researched case law, drafted bench notes, and prepared summaries. This experience later helped secure a paid NGO role handling PIL research, demonstrating how a short, focused internship can open further opportunities.
2. NGO to Policy Pathway
An intern at an environmental NGO drafted a detailed research brief on municipal waste management laws. The report was shared with a parliamentary committee member, leading to a short consultancy project and eventually a policy-writing role. This shows that even non-traditional internships can lead to meaningful, long-term career pathways if work is high-quality and well-documented.
3. Corporate Internship Success
A final-year law student interned in a corporate legal team, reviewing commercial contracts and assisting in regulatory filings. By maintaining a daily diary and collecting draft notes, the student created a portfolio that impressed law firm recruiters, leading to a full-time associate offer post-graduation.
Building a Long-Term Portfolio
A portfolio of work is essential for law students. It demonstrates skill, credibility, and dedication.
Key Components of a Legal Portfolio
- Research Memos: Redacted versions of internal research work, summarising issues, cases, and statutes.
- Drafted Documents: Contracts, PIL drafts, notices, and bench notes (ensure confidentiality).
- Moot Court & Projects: Include awards, briefs, and presentations.
- Publications & Articles: Law journals, online blogs, newsletters.
- References & Certificates: Signed by supervisors, judges, or professors.
Tip: Organise chronologically or by category (Litigation, Corporate, Policy, NGO). A clean, structured portfolio makes a strong impression on employers.
Documenting Internships for BCI & College Requirements
Why Documentation Matters
- Legal education rules (BCI) require formal internship proof.
- Certificates and assessment forms are often checked during enrolment for the Bar.
- Proper records prevent disputes about experience claims.
Documents to Keep
- Internship certificate on official letterhead.
- Attendance sheets signed by supervisor.
- Email correspondences confirming assignment completion.
- Mid-internship and final feedback from the supervisor.
- Photocopies or scans of drafted work (confidentiality maintained).
Pro Tip: Maintain a single folder (digital and physical) for all internships. Include a short diary summarizing daily tasks and learnings.
Final Tips — Quick Checklist Before Starting an Internship
- Read recent work of the organisation.
- Prepare 2–3 focused questions for your supervisor.
- Set clear expectations about hours, deliverables, and communication.
- Ask for mid-internship feedback to improve performance.
- Secure signed certificate and reference email before leaving.
Resources & Official Links
- Supreme Court Schemes & Centre for Research & Planning — sclsc.gov.in
- Department of Legal Affairs / LLB Internship Programmes — legalaffairs.gov.in
- Internship Details — lawctopus.com , LexSaathi Internship page
- Government & NGO Internship Updates — Lawctopus, LawBhoomi, LexSaathi
Conclusion
Internships are not a mere checkbox for law students; they are your first real professional experience. Completing quality internships helps you:
- Apply theory in practice.
- Build a professional network.
- Gain mentors and references.
- Develop research, drafting, and client-handling skills.
Remember: quality over quantity. Short, well-done internships with clear deliverables and strong references outweigh long, unfocused stints.
Document work, ask for feedback, and maintain your network — these habits shape your early career success.
Quick Action Plan — First 30 Days
- Draft a one-page legal CV.
- Create a 3-sentence cover letter template.
- Apply to 10 targeted internships (mix of firms, NGOs, government).
- Prepare one 1,000-word research sample in your chosen interest area.
- Set up a daily 10-minute internship learning diary template.
- Follow up politely on all applications after 7 days.
Remember: Internship success depends not on luck but on preparation, persistence, and professionalism. Apply strategically, document diligently, and maintain relationships.
