Legal Internships: Complete Guide 2025
The legal profession offers diverse career paths. Learn how to secure impactful law internships in India.
Key Takeaways
- Start interning from 1st year—experience matters
- Corporate law pays more, litigation builds skills faster
- Research and writing skills are non-negotiable
- Tier-1 law firms recruit heavily from NLUs
1. Types of Legal Internships
Law Firm Internship
Corporate law, M&A, IP, litigation at top law firms
In-House Legal
Legal teams at companies (Tata, Reliance, startups)
Judicial Clerkship
High Courts and Supreme Court research assistance
NGO/Legal Aid
Human rights, pro bono work, public interest law
2. Required Skills
Must-Have
- Legal Research: Finding relevant cases and statutes
- Legal Writing: Drafting contracts, memos, briefs
- Attention to Detail: Every word matters in law
- Communication: Client interaction and arguing cases
Good to Have
- Knowledge of specific practice areas (M&A, IP, Tax)
- Legal tech tools (Manupatra, SCC Online)
- Moot court and debating experience
- Published articles or papers
3. How to Apply
- Tier-1 Firms: Apply 3-6 months in advance via email/website
- Judicial Clerkships: Apply through court websites or references
- Corporate: Apply via LinkedIn or referrals
- NGOs: Apply directly or through college placement cells
4. Top Law Firms
Tier-1 Firms
AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Trilegal, JSA
Mid-Tier Firms
Nishith Desai Associates, L&L Partners, IndusLaw, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan
In-House
Reliance, Tata Group, Flipkart, Google, Amazon Legal Teams
5. Interview Tips
- Know your resume—be ready to discuss any listed experience
- Read recent judgments in your area of interest
- Prepare for "Why law?" and "Why this firm?" questions
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn
6. FAQs
When should I start interning?
Start from your first year. By final year, you should have 8-10 internships across different practice areas.
Do legal internships pay?
Tier-1 firms pay ₹20K-80K/month. NGOs and smaller firms may be unpaid but offer great learning.
Practice Areas Explained
Corporate Law / M&A
What You'll Do:
- • Due diligence on company records and contracts
- • Drafting and reviewing agreements (NDA, SHA, SPA)
- • Regulatory filings (SEBI, RBI, CCI)
- • Structuring transactions
Best For:
Students interested in business, finance, and deal-making. Requires attention to detail and ability to work long hours.
Top Firms:
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, AZB & Partners, Khaitan & Co
Dispute Resolution / Litigation
What You'll Do:
- • Researching case law and legal precedents
- • Drafting pleadings, petitions, and written submissions
- • Accompanying lawyers to court hearings
- • Analyzing evidence and building case strategy
Best For:
Students who enjoy research, argumentation, and courtroom dynamics. Builds excellent analytical and advocacy skills.
Intellectual Property (IP)
What You'll Do:
- • Patent and trademark searches
- • Drafting licensing agreements
- • IP due diligence for M&A transactions
- • Infringement analysis and opinions
Best For:
Students with science/engineering background or interest in technology, entertainment, or pharma industries.
Banking & Finance
What You'll Do:
- • Reviewing loan documentation
- • Structuring security packages
- • Regulatory compliance (RBI, SEBI)
- • Project finance and debt restructuring
Best For:
Students interested in finance, numbers, and complex commercial transactions.
Law Firm Tiers Explained
| Tier | Firms | Stipend | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 | CAM, AZB, Khaitan, SAM, Trilegal | ₹40K-80K/month | Very High |
| Tier-2 | NDA, L&L, IndusLaw, JSA | ₹20K-40K/month | High |
| Boutique | Specialized firms, Chambers | ₹10K-25K/month | Moderate |
| In-House | Company legal teams | ₹15K-50K/month | Moderate |
Cover Letter Template
A strong cover letter is essential for legal internship applications. Here's a proven structure:
Subject Line
Application for Summer Internship 2025 – [Your Name] – [Law School]
Opening Paragraph
"I am a third-year student at [Law School] writing to apply for a summer internship at [Firm Name]. My interest in [specific practice area] and [reason for choosing this firm] make me eager to contribute to your team."
Experience & Skills
"In my previous internship at [Firm/Organization], I [specific achievement]. My coursework in [subjects] and participation in [moot court/publication] have prepared me for rigorous legal research and drafting."
Why This Firm
"I am particularly drawn to [Firm Name's] work in [specific matter/case]. The firm's reputation for [quality/culture] aligns with my goal of building a career in [area]."
Call to Action
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your consideration."
Day in the Life: Corporate Law Intern
10:00 AM - Arrive & Briefing
Arrive at office (flexible timing), check emails, get briefed on the day's research tasks.
11:00 AM - Due Diligence
Review contracts for an M&A transaction, flag issues, update due diligence tracker.
2:00 PM - Research
Research SEBI regulations for a specific client query, draft a memo summarizing findings.
5:00 PM - Drafting
Draft first version of an NDA based on template, submit for associate review.
8:00 PM - Team Dinner
Occasionally, team dinners with associates and partners—great for networking.
Common Application Mistakes
Generic Cover Letters
Sending the same letter to every firm without customization. Mention specific matters the firm has handled.
Applying Too Late
Tier-1 firms fill positions 3-6 months in advance. Apply early—slots fill fast, especially for summers.
Poor Resume Formatting
Legal resumes should be conservative. No flashy designs, colors, or photos. Clean, one-page format is standard.
Not Following Up
A polite follow-up after 2-3 weeks is acceptable and shows genuine interest. Don't spam, but don't disappear either.
More Frequently Asked Questions
How many internships should I do in law school?
Aim for 8-10 internships across 5 years. Include diverse experiences: corporate law, litigation, in-house, judicial clerkship, and NGO. This shows breadth while allowing you to identify your preferred practice area.
Is the law school I attend important for internships?
Yes, but not determinative. NLU students have advantages for Tier-1 firms, but strong applications from other schools are considered. CGPA, writing samples, and interview performance matter more than college name alone.
Should I do a judicial clerkship?
Highly recommended for litigation aspirants. Clerkships with High Court and Supreme Court judges provide unparalleled exposure to judicial reasoning. These are competitive but look excellent on resumes.
What if I don't have any legal experience yet?
Normal for first-year students. Highlight moot court, legal aid cells, publications, and relevant coursework. Your first few internships build your foundation—focus on learning over prestige initially.
How important are grades for legal internships?
Tier-1 firms often have CGPA cutoffs (typically 55%+). However, strong writing samples, relevant experience, and interview performance can compensate for lower grades. Grades matter more for first few internships.
Can I convert an internship into a PPO?
Yes, many Tier-1 firms offer PPOs to outstanding interns. Perform well, show initiative, build relationships, and express interest. PPO conversion is common for final year/summer internships at top firms.
What's the difference between chambers and law firms?
Chambers are smaller litigation practices led by Senior Advocates. More exposure to courtroom work but less structured than firms. Law firms offer corporate and transactional work with more structured training programs.
Should I do international internships?
If possible, yes. International law firms, international organizations (UN, WTO), or foreign courts provide valuable perspective. However, prioritize quality Indian internships first—they're more relevant for Indian practice.
Success Stories
"Started with NGO internships, ended at CAM..."
"I'm from a non-NLU college. My first two internships were at legal aid clinics. By third year, I had built enough experience to get a Tier-2 firm internship. My final year summer at CAM converted to a PPO." — Ananya, Symbiosis Law School
"Judicial clerkship changed my career path..."
"I was set on corporate law until I clerked with a Delhi High Court judge. Watching complex constitutional matters unfold changed my perspective. Now I'm building a litigation practice." — Rahul, NLUD
"Cold emailing worked when nothing else did..."
"I emailed 30 firms with personalized cover letters. Got 3 responses and 1 offer. That internship taught me more than any classroom. Persistence pays off in legal job hunting." — Priya, Campus Law Centre
Best Time to Apply
| Internship Type | Apply By | Internship Period |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Tier-1) | December - February | May - July |
| Summer (Others) | February - April | May - July |
| Winter | September - November | December - January |
| Judicial Clerkship | 3-4 months in advance | Varies by judge |
Essential Legal Research Tools
Manupatra
Comprehensive Indian legal database. Essential for case law, statutes, and journals. Most firms provide access.
SCC Online
Supreme Court Cases database. Gold standard for case law research and legal commentary.
India Kanoon
Free legal search engine. Great for quick searches and preliminary research.
Westlaw / LexisNexis
International legal databases. Essential for cross-border matters and foreign law research.
Skills to Develop Before Interning
Legal Research
- • Find relevant case law efficiently
- • Navigate legal databases
- • Shepardize/check case status
- • Statutory interpretation
Legal Writing
- • Clear, concise memos
- • Contract drafting basics
- • Pleadings and applications
- • Email communication
Professional Skills
- • Time management
- • Attention to detail
- • Professional communication
- • Confidentiality awareness
Tech Skills
- • Microsoft Word (advanced)
- • Excel for data analysis
- • Legal tech platforms
- • Document management
Application Preparation Checklist
Build Your Legal Career
Legal internships are the foundation of a successful law career. Start early, diversify your experience, and always maintain professional relationships.
The legal profession values hard work, attention to detail, and intellectual rigor. Every internship—whether at a top firm or a small NGO—teaches you something valuable.
The law rewards the prepared. Start preparing today. ⚖️
Written by Sproutern Career Team
Based on insights from law professionals at top firms.
Last updated: January 16, 2026