Internship Guide for Law Students – Where, When, and How to Apply

The goal of pursuing a legal career is not only to study statutes and case, but it is also to acquire experience. To law students, internships are very essential in experiencing the real world aspect of the legal career. They offer an experience of court proceedings, dealing with clients and drafting- something that cannot be fully learned in the classroom. This is a full-fledged guide on how, where and when to apply internship in the course of your law.

The value of Internships in Law School

Internships fill the gap between the study and practice of the law. They enable the students to sample other disciplines like litigation, corporate law, intellectual property or public policy. Exposure at the early years can enable you to make a decision about whether you would like to work in a courtroom, corporate firm, NGO or even in a government department. It also gives you a boost to your CV and an improved opportunity of landing placements upon your graduation.

When It is Time to Seek Law Internships

Your internship should commence in the following year law school:

• 1. First and Second Year: Spend your time on NGO internships, legal aid center internship, or policy research internship. These experiences will assist you in gaining research and writing skills.
• 2. Third Year: This year is the best to do an internship with advocates or at district courts to learn how to go about courtroom procedures and handling of cases.
• 3. Fourth and Fifth Year: Observe practical experience in drafting contracts and legal opinions and due diligence by working in a target law firm, a corporate legal department, or as a senior advocate.

Applications should commence 2-3 months before (this is applicable to well-known firms and organizations that have a well-organized selection process).

Find Law Internships

One has several places to seek internships:

• 1. Law Firms and Advocates: A large number of law firms advertise internship programmes through their websites. Another option is to e-mail advocates directly with a formal application.
• 2. Government Bodies: Internship in the Ministry of Law and Justice and Supreme Court and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are highly rated.
• 3. Legal Startups and NGOs: Student interns are commonly welcomed in groups that are concerned with legal awareness or human rights.
• 4. Online portals: Online websites such as Internshala, Lawctopus, and LinkedIn are currently advertisement channels where internship opportunities are of regular occurrence. Or you can go through portals of best CLAT coaching in Delhi or CLAT preparation online forums where internship updates are shared on the aspiring law student.

The guide to law internship application

Your resume must be brief and professional. Include:

• 1. Cover Letter: Re briefly state your academic experience and area of interest and purpose of application.
• 2. Resume: Retail your accomplishments, legal writing background and any other course work.
• 3. Writing Samples: In case you have it, then provide research papers or articles that demonstrate your analytical ability.

Conclusion

The stepping stones to your legal career are into internships. They help you to think like a lawyer, to communicate properly and to cope with a pressure in the reality. The right mentorship probably can make a big difference at the end of your preparation journey. Dhyeya Law which is an established law coaching and guidance center based in India that caters to CLAT aspirants and judiciary exam aspirants likes it gives students a good ground to excel in their studies and in life after law school.