How to Bag an Ideal Internship in Law

02-08-2025

Law, as we know, has always been regarded as a noble profession. The faith people have in law is the bedrock of any democratic civilization. This is because lawyers play a crucial role in upholding justice, interpreting and applying the law, and advocating for their clients, all while adhering to a strong ethical code and a commitment to public service.Law is a profession involving the study, development and application of legal principles. It is a field that requires a strong understanding of legal systems, ethical considerations and the ability to advocate for clients or causes. Legal professionals play a crucial role in the society, contributing to the development of public policy, social justiceand the fair administration of justice.

Besides being a noble profession, law is also a rewarding profession. The career opportunities after pursuing law are endless. A law student pursuing three years or five years law degree must undergo mandatory industry training cum internship as an academic requirement. These trainings are not mere formalities but play a significant role in the overall development of a legal brain. There are various ways of getting an ideal internship in a reputed law firm, with a senior lawyer, in corporate sector, in High Courts or even in the Supreme Court. A student must remain vigilant during his hunt for an ideal internship.

The students must focus on building a strong academic profile as the first impression before any interviewer is based on your academic profile. Networking and the skills to qualify an interview for internship are vital. The most important part of getting an ideal internship is to identify the area of interest. A student interested in criminal litigation and undergoing internship in company matters will eventually end up losing interest in that internship. Once a student is clear about his areas of interest, he must start his research in finding the best suited options for that domain.

A list of lawyers, firms or companies in the chronology suitable for the student must be prepared and he should start applying for the internships accordingly. Usually, the law firms or the lawyers conduct an interview before offering an internship. The interview is not a hard nut to crack if students manage to focus on some important aspects. The first and foremost important thing about an interview is going through the internship description in detail. The candidate must check the qualifications, qualities and background needed by the lawyer or firm and he must ensure that he is fulfilling the necessary conditions prescribed for that interview. This research will also give an idea regarding the types of questions that may be asked during the interview.

Before your interview, you should have a good understanding of why you want thatinternship and why you are qualified. You should be prepared to explain your interest in the opportunity and why you are the best person for the role.Researching about the individual or organisation you are applying to is an important part of preparing for an interview. Not only will it help in providing the context for your interview conversations, but it will also help you in preparing thoughtful questions for your interview. It is important to learn all you can about the firm’s background. You don't necessarily need to understand every detail, but you should have a basic understanding of the main objectives of the firm.

While you won’t be able to predict all the question you will be asked in an interview, there are a few common questions you can plan answers for. You might also consider developing an elevator pitch that quickly describes who you are, what you do and what you want. The common questions like introduction and reason for joining a specific firm is usually asked in an interview and these conventional questions must be prepared accordingly.

Once thestudent is done with his interview, he should regularly follow-up to know the outcome of the interview. After an interview, it's a good practice to follow up with the interviewer, usually via email, within 24-48 hours. This follow-up should thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate your interest in the position, and briefly mention something specific from the conversation to personalize the message. If you haven't heard back within a week to ten days after the initial follow-up, you can send a second, more concise, follow-up email.

Applying in multiple firms and having back-upsis a good idea for any student. It is highly recommended that a student should not keep all the eggs in one basket as number of seats are limited and one firm cannot accommodate all the students. Applying to multiple options simultaneously offers several advantages, primarily increasing your chances of getting the internship and potentially leading to better career opportunities. It also allows you to explore a wider range of options and discover roles you might not have initially considered. Applying to multiple firms increases your overall visibility to the firms which helps in getting the best out of all the available options.You might be a better fit for a different firm than you initially thought, and applying to multiple firms allows you to explore those possibilities.

It is no doubt true that rejections are the inevitable part of every professional journey. A rejection is not a criterion to judge your capabilities. There may a case that the interviewer was looking for something specific which he did not find in your profile. It's normal to feel let down after investing time and effort into an interview, butit is equally important to process your emotions, learn from the experience, and maintain a positive outlook for future opportunities. While it is important to acknowledge your emotions, trying not to get stuck in negative thinking will help you focus on what lies ahead. If the company provides feedback, carefully consider their comments. Even if it is generic, it can offer insights into areas for improvement. Reflecting on your interview performance, focusing on what went well and what could have been better will not only guide the student towards better opportunities but also helps in developing a positive mindset. Believe you can and you are halfway there, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”.