Navigating Legal Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

Legal internships offer invaluable opportunities for aspiring legal professionals to gain practical experience, explore different areas of law, and build a professional network. These experiences can significantly shape career paths and provide a competitive edge in the legal field. This article explores the diverse landscape of legal internships, drawing upon real-world experiences and providing insights into various opportunities available.

Diverse Avenues for Legal Internships

The legal field presents a wide array of internship options, each offering unique experiences and skill development. These internships span across various sectors, including law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate legal departments.

Law Firms

Many law firms offer internships to assist with legal research and administrative tasks, as well as to gain exposure to different practice areas. Interns at law firms often have the opportunity to work on real cases, conduct legal research, and draft legal documents.

Government Agencies

Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels provide valuable internship experiences. The Department of Justice, district attorney’s offices, public defender’s offices, and other agencies offer opportunities to work on criminal and civil cases, conduct investigations, and assist with legal proceedings.

Department of Labor (DOL)

The Department of Labor (DOL) offers internships through its Office of the Solicitor (SOL). As the Secretary of Labor and other Department officials seek to accomplish the Department's overall mission and further specific priorities, SOL provides legal advice regarding how to achieve those goals. In doing so, SOL ensures the nation's labor laws are forcefully and fairly applied and enforced to protect the Nation's workers. SOL's National Office divisions as well as Regional and Branch Offices often accept current law students for internships and externships. SOL provides internship/externship opportunities for those participating in designated hiring authorities, such as the Pathways Program, as well as those receiving stipends or academic credit. As a legal intern, you will perform a variety of legal assistance responsibilities including significant legal research and writing related to advice, litigation and/or rule-making projects for client agencies; and analyzing the legal impact of legislative developments, administrative and court decisions, rulings and opinions on Departmental programs. Interns may also attend meetings with DOL client agencies, other SOL divisions, and other executive agencies, as appropriate.

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SOL National Divisions include: Black Lung and Longshore Legal Services, Civil Rights and Labor Management, Employment and Training Legal Services, Management and Administrative Legal Services, Mine Safety and Health, Office of Legal Counsel, Occupational Safety and Health, and Plan Benefits Security. SOL Regional Offices are located in Arlington (VA), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Division of Black Lung and Longshore Legal Services (Washington, D.C.)

The Black Lung and Longshore Legal Services Division (BLLLS) supports the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) in administering the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and its extensions. Courts of Appeals, advise OWCP on legal issues that arise in administering the statutes, prepare regulations implementing the statutes, and enforce the payment of benefits by liable employers or their insurers. Interns work with attorneys on projects in all of these areas, Assisting with the drafting of program regulations and Helping litigate an enforcement case against a liable employer or insurer. The ideal candidate has experience or a sincere interest in public service. Subject matter experience is not required. We look for research and writing skills, academic achievement, and a positive and collaborative work ethic.

Civil Rights and Labor Management Division

In general, CRLM's client agencies administer and enforce a variety of civil rights, EEO, and labor laws. Duties will include significant legal research and writing in connection with advice, litigation and/or rulemaking projects for client agencies, such as drafting memoranda, analyses, and briefs, and may include attending meetings with the client agencies and other SOL divisions as appropriate. Students who can commit to a full-time schedule (35-40 hours/week) are preferred. Excellent research and writing skills; a demonstrated interest in civil rights, labor and employment issues; and a strong academic record are ideal.

Division of Employment and Training Legal Services (ETLS)

SOL's Division of Employment and Training Legal Services (ETLS) provides advice to a range of clients. Our summer law clerks will be primarily assisting the attorneys that provide legal advice to the Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) and to the Department's Veteran's Employment and Training Service (VETS) staff administering the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), a Federal law that establishes rights and responsibilities for uniformed Service members and their civilian employers. ETLS also provides legal advice to VETS with regards to employment and training programs. labor market. The type of assignments and work product will vary, but all involve legal research and analysis. A law clerk typically comes away with a writing sample as well, such as a draft memorandum of referral. In years past, law clerks have spent significant time analyzing foreign countries' laws for compliance with international child labor standards in connection with legal review of an annual report to Congress on the worst forms of child labor in over 100 of our trade partners and that is expected to be a focus of work this summer as well. Law clerks may also work on projects assisting attorneys in ETLS in analyzing other countries' compliance with international labor provisions and with their compliance with international labor standards. participation in international organizations, grants for projects on child labor and forced labor, and Congressionally mandated reports on the worst forms of child labor. For VETS, law clerks may work to research and analyze legal issues arising under USERRA related to veterans' protections against workplace discrimination and their reemployment rights, as well as in regards to issues related to VETS employment programs. Law clerks may also work on projects related to VETS employment programs and ETA programs as needed. Candidates must demonstrate strong research and writing abilities, and academic achievement.

Management and Administrative Legal Services Division

During our previous internships, interns have prepared memos, drafted sections of briefs, and assisted with presentations. In terms of skills/benefits, interns have/will: Learn about working in a legal office for a federal agency; Obtain real-world experience about the practice of law, particularly procurement and appropriations law; and Participate in meetings/shadow senior attorneys. In addition, many interns receive credit from their law schools for participating in the program, as well as obtaining HR-related benefits, as applicable. The ideal candidate has expressed interest in working for the public sector as well as experience or interest with federal procurement and/or appropriations law matters. We generally require a cover letter, resume, and a current transcript. We also consider students in their 2L or 3L years for school-year intern positions.

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Mine Safety and Health (MSH) Division

The MSH Division supports the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the agency that enforces the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (Mine Act). The Mine Act protects miners' safety and health at every mine in the United States. MSHA enforces the Mine Act by promulgating safety and health standards and regulations; investigating accidents, fatalities, and criminal violations; protecting whistleblowers; and inspecting mines. MSHA also does other safety- and health-related work, like providing grants, hosting mine rescue competitions, and certifying equipment to use in dangerous mine environments. Our attorneys assist MSHA with rulemaking, provide legal advice in a wide variety of situations, and perform nationwide trial and appellate litigation. Interns work with attorneys on projects in all of these areas. Projects could include: Analyzing legal questions and writing litigation memos, Reviewing rulemaking and guidance documents before they are published, Attending meetings and strategy sessions with MSHA, Seeking injunctions or temporary restraining orders in federal district courts, Trying cases before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission's Administrative Law Judges or Department of Labor's Administrative Law Judges, or in federal district court, and Writing appellate briefs and preparing attorneys for oral arguments before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission or the federal courts of appeals. Interns will also learn about the work of the Solicitor's Office and of federal agencies more generally.

Office of Legal Counsel (OLC)

The Office has three major areas of responsibility. First, the Office plays a major role in the Department's legislative activities by analyzing legislation impacting the Department, helping prepare testimony presented by Departmental at congressional committee hearings, and drafting proposed legislation. Second, the Office manages the Department's ethics program by providing advice and training and by administering the financial disclosure requirements. Third, OLC provides legal advice on a number of areas relating to government organization and operations, most notably administrative law and procedure. The law student intern will assist OLC in providing the legal services listed above. Duties may include reviewing testimony and draft legislation, drafting legal advice about ethics-related matters, researching administrative law issues, and writing memos as appropriate. The intern will also participate in the SOL Summer Intern Program, which includes weekly meetings with guest speakers. The intern may also attend meetings with the SOL Front Office and other SOL divisions as appropriate. OLC also houses the SOL Honors Attorney program for entry-level attorneys, so the intern will have the opportunity to meet and interact with recent law school graduates. Candidates must demonstrate strong research and writing abilities, academic achievement, and an interest in a career in public service. Prior relevant courses or work experience preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the ability to work well in a collaborative environment and an interest in Federal government service.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Division

The Division of the Office of the Solicitor (SOL) provides legal services to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Courts of Appeals when they are challenged after promulgation. OSH attorneys advise OSHA on rulemakings and enforcement policy, and provide advice on novel, significant, and complex cases, including potential cases considered for referral to DOJ for criminal prosecution. In addition, OSH attorneys assist OSHA in administering the whistleblower protection provisions in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and several other worker protection statutes. The OSH Division also provides legal services in connection with state grants and state occupational safety and health plans submitted under Section 18(b) of the Act. Interns in the Division of Occupational Safety and Health will receive a variety of assignments throughout the office's practice areas. Representative assignments may include: Assisting OSH Division attorneys in the research and writing of legal briefs to be filed with the US Court of Appeals and the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; Providing research, analysis and other appropriate support to a rulemaking team; Researching and preparing legal memoranda on a wide variety of topics covered by the OSH Division; Providing legal advice to SOL Regional Offices and OSHA on litigation and other OSHA enforcement matters; Shadowing OSH Division attorneys at meetings with OSHA to develop client counseling skills. OSH Division interns may assist in the production of a variety of written work products, such as portions of legal briefs, portions of Federal Register documents, and legal memoranda for other OSH Division attorneys and OSHA. In addition, interns will be asked to research discrete legal issues and present their conclusions orally to the assigning OSH Division attorney. OSH Division interns will gain practical research and writing skills that will prepare them for legal practice upon graduation from law school. Supervising attorneys routinely provide constructive feedback to interns on their written work product to further this goal. In addition, the OSH Division strives to give an intern experience in day-to-day legal practice including client interaction and time management skills. OSH Division interns will also leave their experience with an appreciation for how a Federal Agency operates, which will give them a significant perspective in determining whether to pursue a career in Federal service. SOL offers internship opportunities for law students who are hired through the Pathways Programs, as well as those who receive stipends or academic credit. Applicants must be 2Ls at the time of their application and must expect to have completed their 2L year by the summer of their internship. Applicants must be students in good academic standing with strong writing, research, and analytic skills.

Corporate Legal Departments

Large corporations with in-house legal teams sometimes offer internships for pre-law students to gain insight into corporate law and compliance. These internships provide opportunities to learn about contract law, intellectual property law, and regulatory compliance.

Courts and Judicial Chambers

Interning with a court or a judge’s chambers can provide hands-on experience in the legal system. Interns may assist with legal research, draft judicial opinions, and observe court proceedings.

Legal Aid Societies

Local legal aid organizations provide legal services to individuals who cannot afford representation. Interns at legal aid societies work directly with clients, conduct legal research, and assist with case preparation.

Legal Aid DC offers exciting internship opportunities to undergraduates and law students who want to gain experience in public interest work! Law student interns are assigned to one of Legal Aid DC’s practice areas: Housing, Domestic Violence and Family Law, Public Benefits, Consumer, Immigration, Appellate, or Systemic Advocacy and Law Reform. Law student intern responsibilities may include: Participating in client meetings and follow-ups, Attending hearings, trials, administrative proceedings, or arguments before the DC Court of Appeals, Helping staff with the unit’s court-based projects or hotlines, Legal research and writing and factual investigation, where possible. Undergraduate intern responsibilities may include: Speaking with potential clients and fielding inquiries in person and by phone, Filing and retrieving court documents, Reviewing and organizing legal files, Drafting correspondence, Participating in internal and client meetings, Conducting factual research and investigations, and Observing hearings and trials. Legal Aid DC has summer and academic year internship opportunities for law and undergraduate students. Summer interns are expected to work 35 hours per week. Academic year interns must work at least 12 hours per week, arranged according to their class schedules. All internships are hybrid and based in Washington, DC.

Nonprofit Legal Organizations

Legal nonprofits and public interest organizations offer internships for pre-law students to work on public policy issues. These internships provide opportunities to advocate for social justice, conduct research on legal issues, and engage in community outreach.

The Pre-Law Project is a program under JEP that is committed to providing all USC students interested in law careers with real legal experiences. The goal is to provide these opportunities so that students can explore the field of law before ever making the decision to apply to law school. By partnering with public interest law firms and civil rights organizations, students are able to secure law-related internships of a variety of commitment levels.

The FBI Internship Experience: A Unique Perspective

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offers a unique internship program that provides students with hands-on experience in law enforcement and intelligence. Interns work alongside special agents, task force officers, and professional staff on real cases, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the FBI.

Real-World Impact

FBI interns are not limited to administrative tasks; they actively contribute to investigations. As Grace, an FBI intern, shares, "I’m getting to help on real cases, I’m doing real investigative work in conjunction with the special agents, the task force officers, the professional staff. And it’s been such an amazing opportunity to see the results of my efforts." This hands-on experience allows interns to apply their skills and knowledge to make a tangible difference in ongoing investigations.

Applying Academic Knowledge

The FBI internship program allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. Joshua, another intern, explains, "So, I’ve been working white-collar for this internship and it really applies to what I’ve been doing at school studying business. I’ve been working with bank statements, working with forensic accountants, and doing a lot of things actually that apply to my major and I’ve really been able to use what I learned at school and apply it here." This integration of academic learning and real-world application enhances the learning experience and prepares students for future careers.

Exposure to Specialized Teams

Interns may have the opportunity to work with specialized teams within the FBI, such as the Computer Analysis Response Team (CART). Laura, an intern working with the cyber squad, describes her experience: "I actually more specifically on the cyber squad usually work with our CART team, which is our Computer Analysis Response Team. And they’re our digital forensic examiners for the office. So anytime there is a computer or tablet or phone involved in an investigation, CART goes out on the search warrants and seizes it and then they are trained in processing the evidence so that the case agents can review it and we can maintain a good chain of custody on it." This exposure to specialized teams provides interns with a deeper understanding of the diverse roles within the FBI and the importance of digital forensics in modern investigations.

A Family-Like Atmosphere

Despite the serious nature of the work, the FBI fosters a supportive and welcoming environment. Ashley, whose father is an FBI agent, shares, "But what I did not expect was just how much of a family it feels like. Everyone is super welcoming and it’s not like any other workplace I’ve ever been in where you come in for your shift and then when you’re done, you’re done. It’s like the relationships in the Bureau are truly something to be marveled." This sense of community makes the internship experience more enjoyable and fosters a sense of belonging.

Personal and Professional Growth

The FBI internship program offers significant personal and professional growth opportunities. Myisha notes, "The people here are amazing, you see them out in the field and you’re kind of like they are so strict and they are kind of intimidating, but once you get to know them they are actually really nice people. Because of the internship, I’ve learned so much. The FBI is kind of like this huge entity that is so mysterious, but no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors." This experience demystifies the FBI and provides interns with a deeper understanding of its mission and operations.

Seeing Cases Through

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the FBI internship is the opportunity to see cases progress from beginning to end. Laura shares, "I think the most fulfilling experience I’ve had is watching cases go from the very beginning to the very end. I had a couple search warrants that I was able to go on my first summer here that this summer I’ve been able to go to the sentencings and see the cases all the way through." This experience provides a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the legal process.

Shaping Future Career Paths

The FBI internship can significantly influence future career paths. Joshua explains, "This experience has totally changed my perspective of what I saw my future as, I was dead set pre-med going into school and now that I’ve seen that there are other careers out there other than what I initially thought I wanted to do, especially those something that can fit with my biology degree within the Bureau, my mind is totally open to those other options so I can take the skills I’ve developed here, the methodical research skills and I can apply them to my education and then I can turn right back around and apply those educational skills that I’ve developed in school and put them towards working for the Bureau." This exposure to different career options can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career choices.

A Summer Home

For many interns, the FBI becomes a home away from home. Grace reflects, "The FBI has truly become my summer home and every single summer I love coming back here. You know I never come to work, like, oh man, I have to go to somewhere to work all summer. I get excited to come back and I miss the people here when I’m away." This sense of belonging and camaraderie makes the internship experience a positive and memorable one.

Encouragement to Apply

The interns unanimously encourage others to apply for the FBI internship program. Grace advises, "So, if someone is looking at the FBI internship and is unsure, I say go for it." Laura adds, "I would tell anyone who is interested in applying to this internship to just go ahead and apply regardless of what you think you want to do. I think no matter what you think your future career goal is, the FBI has a place for you if you want one. And that’s definitely something I learned coming in as a STEM major, not related to criminal justice at all."

Additional Internship Opportunities

Beyond traditional legal settings, various organizations offer unique internship experiences related to law and public policy.

ACLU

The ACLU offers year-round remote and hybrid internship opportunities. Interns engage with the issues and the people at the forefront of today’s most impactful civil liberties and civil rights fights and victories. They contribute to meaningful work in one of our departments while developing substantive skills and professional experience, and Learn from ACLU employees on a range of topics through trainings and on-the-job learning. Interns Receive a stipend for a full-time 10-week internship or a part-time 12-week internship.

Lambda Legal

An internship with Lambda Legal provides invaluable experience in civil rights litigation, non-profit funding, operations, and communications. Lambda Legal’s team members advance our cause in and out of the courtroom. They are a diverse team with a diverse skill set. Defending our community takes lawyers, paralegals, communicators, operations specialists, development experts, and more.

Tips for Securing a Legal Internship

Securing a legal internship requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to increase your chances of landing a desirable internship:

Start early: Begin your internship search well in advance of the application deadlines. Many organizations have deadlines months before the start of the internship.
Tailor your application: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific internship.
Network: Attend legal career fairs, connect with legal professionals on LinkedIn, and reach out to alumni who work in the legal field.
Seek guidance: Consult with career services advisors, professors, and mentors for advice on your application materials and interview skills.
Be persistent: Don't be discouraged by rejections. Keep applying for internships and seek feedback to improve your application.

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