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So, you want to learn all about how to get an internship at a law firm. You’ve come to the right place.
Getting an internship at a law firm, legal department, or a related organization can help you get your foot in the door by exposing you to valuable practical experience and helping you build essential skills.
But where should you begin, and how can you make a mark in this competitive field? This guide is here to answer those questions and provide you with a clear path to securing that sought-after law internship.
Before we break down how to secure a law internship, it’s important to clarify what it entails. Law interns are usually students or recent graduates who work in legal settings to gain real-world experience and apply their legal knowledge.
They take on various tasks like legal research, preparing documents, conducting client interviews, and more. As an intern, your priorities are to learn, support the legal team, and help the organization achieve its objectives. Keep in mind that this can look different for every internship.
For example, internships at law firms for high school students may offer a different experience compared to those intended for college or law school students. Internships for high school students typically focus on fundamental legal concepts, basic office tasks, and a broad overview of the legal profession.
Regardless of where you intern, this experience can significantly boost your resume.
While the responsibilities may be less complex compared to internships at law firms for college students or law school students, they offer a chance to explore the legal world in a supportive and educational environment.
Keep reading to learn the practical steps and tips for finding those valuable law internship opportunities.
To start your journey toward landing a law internship, the first step is to identify the specific areas of law that interest you the most. Law covers a wide range of topics, such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, and environmental law. Take some time to think about which of these areas or legal issues you find most engaging.
You might have a particular subject that you enjoyed studying or a specific legal matter that has always caught your attention. Once you have some ideas, dig deeper into these areas. Read, watch, or learn more about them to gain a better understanding.
It's also a good idea to talk to professors, mentors, or professionals in the legal field to get their input. Consider your internship goals and how they fit into your long-term career plans. This process will help you narrow down your interests and focus your internship search on what truly excites you.
Setting clear goals is essential. Determine whether you're looking for a short-term summer internship, a semester-long commitment, or a more extended arrangement. Long-term goals may involve securing a future job offer, while short-term goals could be about gaining specific skills or experiences.
To begin your journey toward securing a law internship, it's essential to conduct an honest self-assessment of your qualifications. This process involves evaluating your academic achievements, legal coursework, extracurricular activities, and any additional skills or experiences that set you apart.
Consider your grades, particularly in courses related to your desired internship field. If, for example, you aim to secure an environmental law internship, highlight strong performance in environmental law or related classes.
Reflect on your legal coursework and emphasize the courses that align with your internship interests. Your involvement in law-related extracurricular activities, such as mock trial teams or legal aid clinics, can be compelling evidence of your commitment.
Lastly, identify any additional skills or experiences, like fluency in a second language or involvement in relevant research projects, that make you a strong candidate. This self-assessment equips you to present your qualifications effectively when applying for law internships that align with your career aspirations.
Now that you have a better understanding of your interests and qualifications, it's time to explore available internship opportunities.
Don't limit yourself to large law firms or corporate legal departments. Smaller firms, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies can provide equally enriching experiences. They often offer more hands-on opportunities for interns to make a significant impact.
Your school's career center is a valuable resource. They can help you identify internship opportunities, review your resume and cover letter, and provide guidance on your application strategy.
Create a list of prospective internships that match your goals and interests. Keep track of application deadlines, requirements, and contact information for each opportunity.
In this section, we'll discuss how you can land internships at law firms for undergraduates.
Crafting a compelling application is crucial. Your application typically includes a resume, cover letter, transcripts, and possibly letters of recommendation. Tailor each application to the specific internship and organization to demonstrate your genuine interest.
Submit your applications well before the deadlines. Late submissions may be disregarded, and you want to make a positive impression with your punctuality.
If your application impresses, you may be invited for an interview. Here's how to prepare:
Dress professionally for your interview. Opt for business attire, and make sure your appearance is neat and well-groomed.
Prepare for common interview questions like, "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to intern with us?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practice your responses to these questions to feel confident during the interview.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement. Questions could include, "What types of projects do interns typically work on here?" or "What opportunities are there for professional development?"
After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirming your interest in the position. This is also a chance to address any points you may have missed during the interview.
To help you secure a legal internship, here are some common legal internship interview questions you might be asked and some ways to answer them!
This is your typical, run-of-the-mill question that you can really expect at any job interview. As a legal intern, you want to use this opportunity to share a little about your experience, passions, and future goals. Try to make this personal and go beyond what’s on your resume. Here’s an example of what you could say:
“I’m currently a third-year law student at Northwestern University, but my journey to law school started in a small town in Colorado, where my parents owned a family-run bookstore. Growing up, I spent hours surrounded by stories and learning about the importance of intellectual property through my parents’ challenges with protecting their niche in the market. That’s what initially sparked my interest in intellectual property law.
In college, I double-majored in English and political science, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about political processes and systems. During a summer internship at a nonprofit focused on patent reform, I worked closely with inventors and small business owners, helping them navigate the complexities of filing for patents. What stood out to me was not just the technical side of the work, but the chance to empower people to protect what they’d built.
Last summer, I interned at Perkins Coie LLP, where I collaborated with a team of attorneys on a trademark dispute for a startup trying to protect its brand identity. My role involved legal research, drafting memoranda, and even contributing ideas in strategy meetings. The startup founders’ passion reminded me of my own parents, and it reinforced how rewarding it is to help people protect their livelihoods.
What drives me is this mix of problem-solving and connection with people—it keeps the work meaningful, no matter how challenging. I’m excited to bring this dedication and energy to your team, contribute to your goals, and continue growing in a space where I can make a difference."
This is the type of question you’ll have to do your homework for! Law firms see dozens, if not hundreds, of applicants for these positions. They want to know you’ve looked into them and know what they stand for! Here’s an example response:
“I want to work for your firm because of its reputation for creative and client-focused solutions. I came across the Landmark Environmental Defense Case, and it really stood out to me. The way your team fought for stricter protections against industrial pollution felt like the kind of impactful work I’ve always hoped to be part of.
What also drew me in is the culture your firm promotes—especially the emphasis on mentorship and growth. I noticed the associate spotlight series on your website, and it was clear that your firm genuinely invests in its people. That kind of environment is where I know I can contribute and thrive.
I’m eager to bring my strong research skills, attention to detail, and love for problem-solving to your team while learning from the experienced attorneys here. More than anything, I see this as a chance to grow while contributing to work that truly makes a difference."
This question is your way to really stand out! You can provide unique reasons why you want to pursue law that go deeper than it was simply a passion of yours since you were a child. Dig deep here to present an answer that shows your true motivation for pursuing this challenging field:
"My decision to pursue law started with a personal experience—watching my parents go through a messy divorce and custody battle. I was in high school at the time, and seeing how it affected my younger siblings was pretty challenging. They were too young to fully grasp what was going on, and it felt like no one was really looking out for their well-being beyond the legal proceedings. I’ll never forget the helplessness I felt, knowing I couldn’t do anything to shield them from the stress and uncertainty they were enduring.
That experience made me realize how much the legal system impacts people's lives, especially in personal and sensitive matters like family law. I saw how the right lawyer could make a difference in how my parents’ case was handled, but I also saw the consequences when things were mishandled.
What drives me now is the chance to advocate for those who feel like they have no control over their situation, especially when it comes to protecting children and families. I’ve had the chance to work on family law cases during my internships, and each one reinforces how important it is to approach these situations with not just legal knowledge but a real understanding of the human side of things. I want to be the kind of lawyer who can give families a voice in the process and ultimately help them navigate what are often some of the most painful and confusing moments of their lives."
You’ll also get some more experience-related questions where you’ll be expected to touch on what’s on your resume while providing some more details into the exact work you did and skills you acquired, like this:
“Yes, I have legal research experience from both my coursework and internships. During my time as a legal intern at Jones Day, I conducted extensive research on case law and statutes related to intellectual property and patent disputes. I compiled and summarized findings for senior attorneys, helping them build case strategies for ongoing cases. I also worked with legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis to locate relevant precedents and analyze trends in case law. Through this, I gained a strong understanding of how to efficiently research, synthesize complex legal information, and present it in a clear, actionable format.”
You should also end the law internship interview with a few questions of your own to not only get a better understanding of the firm and role but to show your interest in them!
This question shows that you're eager to understand what your role will involve, not just in theory, but in practice. It gives you a clear picture of the work environment and expectations and shows you're serious about the responsibilities you'll take on.
This allows you to understand what the firm values most in its interns. You can then tailor your approach to fit their expectations or emphasize the qualities you already have that align with their needs. It also shows your interviewer that you’re willing to adapt and improve in order to be a valuable team member!
It’s no secret that AI is becoming more and more advanced. This question shows you’re aware of the growing role of technology in the legal field, and you're interested in staying up to date with the latest trends. It also highlights your forward-thinking mindset and your interest in learning how tools can streamline legal work.
Keep reading for valuable tips and advice to help you secure an undergraduate law internship.
Networking is a critical aspect of securing a law internship. Attend legal events, seminars, and workshops to meet professionals in the field. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni or lawyers who can offer insights and potentially refer you for internships.
Different internships may have specific application requirements, such as writing samples or transcripts. Familiarize yourself with these requirements in advance to avoid last-minute hurdles.
Ask professors, mentors, or career advisors to review your application materials. Constructive feedback can help you refine your documents and make a stronger impression.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the specific internship and organization. Highlight experiences and skills that directly relate to the role.
The road to securing a law internship may involve rejection or initial setbacks. Persistence is key. Keep applying, improving your skills, and seeking feedback to enhance your chances.
Understanding how to get an internship at a law firm is a multi-step process. So, it’s natural to have questions. Let’s explore some answers to commonly asked questions.
Judicial clerkships rank among the top choices for law school internships. During these internships, students have the opportunity to work with state and federal court judges, providing them with valuable insights into the operations of trial and appellate courts.
Legal internships can be paid or unpaid, with the average hourly pay for legal interns being about $21.55 in the United States. How much you get paid depends on factors like where you work and your qualifications. It's essential to check the compensation details of specific internships and consider the experience you'll gain as part of the overall value.
Summer law internships typically involve a range of tasks, including legal research, drafting documents, attending court proceedings, and assisting attorneys with casework. The specific duties can vary based on the type of legal practice and the needs of the organization.
Law firms hire interns for several reasons, including assessing their potential as future associates, providing support to current attorneys, and fostering a talent pipeline. Interns also gain valuable experience and may contribute to the firm's workload.
Now you know how to get an internship at a law firm. Securing one is a critical milestone on your path to a legal career. It offers you the chance to learn, network, and gain practical insights into the legal profession.
While the process may be competitive, your dedication, preparation, and persistence can set you apart from the competition. Remember that every step you take brings you closer to your goal of landing that coveted law internship. Good luck!
