Law Firm Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of litigation and jurisprudence, the role of law firm interns is increasingly significant.

As the legal landscape evolves, there is a growing demand for brilliant minds who can explore, adapt and safeguard our judicial structure.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a law firm intern?

Whether you are:

• A law student trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the inner workings of a law firm,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable law firm intern job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Law Firm Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Law Firm Interns are primarily responsible for assisting lawyers and paralegals with various tasks including research, document preparation and filing, and client interactions.

They serve as a supportive role to enhance the firm’s efficiency and client service.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting legal research on a wide range of topics
• Assisting with the drafting of legal documents, such as pleadings and motions
• Organizing and maintaining legal files and case documents
• Attending court proceedings, client meetings, and other legal events to gain hands-on experience
• Performing administrative duties, including answering phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, and maintaining the firm’s legal calendar
• Assisting in the preparation for trials, hearings, and depositions
• Supporting attorneys in client communication and case management
• Following professional ethics and maintaining client confidentiality

 

Law Firm Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated law firm intern to assist with various tasks in our legal office.

Law Firm Intern responsibilities include supporting our lawyers in daily operations, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and attending client meetings.

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious law student interested in gaining practical experience in a fast-paced law firm environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in preparing for trials and court proceedings.
• Support the team by conducting legal research on various cases.
• Prepare and draft legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, etc.
• Attend court proceedings for observational purposes.
• Help with the organization of case files and maintenance of important documents.
• Perform administrative duties such as answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, and maintaining attorney calendars.
• Participate in client meetings and take notes.

 

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an accredited Law School
• Excellent analytical and research skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic knowledge of legal practices and procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Strong multitasking abilities and organizational skills

 

Benefits

• Real-world legal experience
• Networking opportunities
• Mentorship from experienced attorneys
• Academic credit (where applicable)
• Potential for future employment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Law Firm Intern
• Work Environment: Professional law office setting
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Supervising Attorney or Firm Partner
• Pay: This is typically an unpaid internship, but a stipend may be available depending on the firm’s policy
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship, Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our firm. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and a copy of your law school transcript to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Law Firm Intern Do?

Law Firm Interns are typically law students who work at a law firm to gain practical experience and insights into the legal profession.

They often work under the supervision of attorneys and other legal professionals.

They assist with a variety of tasks such as researching legal matters, drafting documents, preparing case summaries, and maintaining client files.

Law Firm Interns often get the opportunity to observe court proceedings, client meetings, and other professional activities.

Law Firm Interns are also tasked with administrative duties such as answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and managing correspondence.

They may be asked to help in preparing legal documents under the guidance of experienced lawyers, including drafting contracts, wills, or lawsuits.

Part of their role often involves legal research, where they look up case histories, legal decisions, and legal articles relevant to the cases their firm is handling.

Additionally, Law Firm Interns may get opportunities to attend client meetings or court proceedings to gain a better understanding of the legal process, observe how attorneys interact with clients and other legal professionals, and get a first-hand experience of the courtroom environment.

The internship at a law firm provides the intern with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in law school in a real-world setting, gain practical skills, and explore different areas of law.

 

Law Firm Intern Qualifications and Skills

A law firm intern should possess a broad range of skills and qualifications to succeed in this role, these include:

• Understanding of legal terminology and principles to effectively assist the law firm in various tasks.
• Good communication skills to articulate case details clearly with lawyers, paralegals, and other interns.
• Strong research skills to find relevant case laws, legal articles, and other resources that would aid in case preparation.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage and file documents efficiently and accurately.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines, which is essential in a fast-paced environment like a law firm.
• Proficient in using software tools commonly used in law firms, such as legal research tools and document management systems.
• Problem-solving skills to assist in addressing legal issues and challenges.
• Professionalism and strong work ethic as it is critical to maintain the reputation and integrity of the law firm.
• Detail-oriented to ensure no vital information is overlooked during case preparation and research.

 

Law Firm Intern Experience Requirements

Law firm interns are generally required to be in the process of completing their law degree or have recently graduated from law school.

They should have a strong understanding of legal principles and theories.

Although they might not have practical legal experience, they are expected to have participated in moot court competitions, legal research projects, or other law-related activities during their academic years.

Experience in writing legal briefs, conducting case studies, and participating in legal clinics can also be beneficial.

In addition, interns might have prior experience through a summer associate position or previous internship at a law firm, nonprofit organization, government agency, or corporate legal department.

This experience can provide interns with exposure to the legal field and basic understanding of law firm operations.

As for skills, law firm interns should have strong research and writing abilities, as well as excellent communication skills.

They should be detail-oriented, able to manage their time effectively, and be capable of working under pressure.

Interns who have been part of law review or journal teams, moot court boards, or legal aid societies often have practical experience that can prove beneficial in a law firm setting.

Those with more than 1 year of experience may be ready for tasks that require more responsibility, such as assisting with legal research for trials, drafting legal documents, or even attending court proceedings.

 

Law Firm Intern Education and Training Requirements

Law Firm Interns are usually undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law or pre-law, or graduate students in a law school program.

They must have a deep understanding of legal concepts, procedures, and terminology, as well as excellent research skills.

Having knowledge of legal software or databases, such as LexisNexis or Westlaw, is also beneficial.

Law Firm Interns typically need to develop strong oral and written communication skills, as they will often be required to draft legal documents, conduct legal research, and interact with clients and professionals in the legal field.

Additionally, successful completion of certain law-related courses, such as Criminal Law, Civil Law, Constitutional Law, or Corporate Law, may be required depending on the nature of the law firm.

Furthermore, some positions may require law firm interns to be in the process of obtaining a Juris Doctor degree or be intending to attend law school after their undergraduate studies.

Interns are not required to be licensed as they are supervised by licensed attorneys.

However, a commitment to ethics, confidentiality, and a demonstration of potential to pass the bar examination in the future are often prerequisites for the role.

 

Law Firm Intern Salary Expectations

A Law Firm Intern can expect to earn an average of $20.00 (USD) per hour.

However, actual earnings may depend on the firm’s size, the intern’s law school reputation, the geographical location, and the complexity of the tasks assigned.

It’s also important to note that some internships may be unpaid but offer invaluable experience and networking opportunities.

 

Law Firm Intern Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Law Firm Intern need?

A Law Firm Intern is usually a law student, so they must be enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor’s degree in law or a related field.

In some cases, firms may accept students who have completed their pre-law studies.

Some law firms may also require interns to have a certain GPA or to have completed certain law courses.

 

What skills are essential for a Law Firm Intern?

A Law Firm Intern should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as they may need to draft legal documents and communicate with clients or other legal professionals.

They should also have strong research skills, attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

An understanding of legal terminology and procedures is also beneficial.

 

What are the daily tasks of a Law Firm Intern?

A Law Firm Intern may perform a variety of tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, assisting with case preparations, attending court proceedings, and participating in client meetings.

They may also be asked to perform administrative duties, such as filing, answering phones, and maintaining client records.

 

What qualities make a good Law Firm Intern?

A good Law Firm Intern is proactive, eager to learn, and has a strong interest in the legal field.

They should be adaptable and willing to take on a range of tasks, even those outside their comfort zone.

Good interns are also professional, ethical, and respectful of confidentiality, as they will often be dealing with sensitive information.

 

Is it challenging to get an internship at a law firm?

Securing an internship at a law firm can be competitive, as there are often many applicants for a limited number of positions.

It can help to have strong academic records, relevant coursework, or previous experience in a legal setting.

Networking can also be beneficial, so consider reaching out to law firms directly or attending career fairs.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it truly means to be a law firm intern.

But guess what?

It’s not just about conducting legal research or drafting documents.

It’s about shaping the course of justice, one case file at a time.

With our comprehensive law firm intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting highly accurate job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every case file you handle contributes to the broader legal landscape.

Let’s shape the future of justice. Together.

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