Legal Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of law, the emphasis on legal interns has never been stronger.

The legal landscape continues to evolve, and with each transformation, the demand for bright minds who can comprehend, adapt, and secure our legal framework intensifies.

But let’s examine the details: What’s truly expected from a legal intern?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of legal internships,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable legal intern job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Legal Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Interns assist with the preparation of legal documents, research for legal projects and cases, and manage routine office tasks.

These interns work under the supervision of lawyers and paralegals, gaining valuable experience and professional skills in the legal field.

They are expected to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist with the drafting and reviewing of legal documents such as contracts, complaints, and agreements
• Conduct legal research and organize findings for attorneys
• Attend court hearings or trials, and assist in the preparation of court documents
• Prepare legal documents and memos for court cases
• Assist with case management, including organizing and maintaining files
• Handle client correspondence under the supervision of attorney
• Assist in maintaining up-to-date legal resources and publications
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed
• Learn professional conduct and ethics while dealing with clients and other professionals

 

Legal Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Legal Intern to join our team.

The Legal Intern will be responsible for assisting our legal team in various aspects like research, drafting documents, attending meetings, and providing administrative support.

Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal terms, principles, and procedures.

They should be able to manage their time efficiently and demonstrate a proactive approach to their duties.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research to support a case or legal issue
• Assist in the preparation and drafting of legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, and pleadings
• Attend meetings, hearings, and other legal proceedings
• Support attorneys in case preparation
• Maintain organized and up-to-date legal files
• Assist in administrative tasks as required
• Adhere to the professional ethics, confidentiality, and responsibilities of a legal professional

 

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school
• Strong research and report-writing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal research platforms
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong understanding of legal principles and terminology

 

Benefits

• Gain practical legal experience
• Opportunity to learn from experienced legal professionals
• Flexible work hours
• Potential for full-time employment after graduation
• Networking opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Intern
• Work Environment: Office setting with some remote work options. Some travel may be required for court appearances or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Legal Manager.
• Salary: This is an unpaid internship with possible stipend.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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, cover letter, and a copy of your current transcript to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Intern Do?

Legal Interns are typically law students who work within a law firm, governmental organization, or corporate legal department to gain practical experience in their field of study.

They assist lawyers and legal professionals in preparing for trials, hearings, and meetings.

This can involve conducting research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles, drafting legal documents, and organizing and maintaining documents in paper or electronic filing systems.

Legal Interns may also accompany lawyers to court and observe proceedings, offering administrative support such as taking notes and preparing reports.

They often help with client intake and communication, including client interviews and follow-ups.

Furthermore, they are expected to maintain the confidential nature of the lawyer-client relationship.

Their role also includes the application of legal principles and judicial decisions to real cases, under the supervision of licensed attorneys.

In some cases, they may also be given the responsibility of handling certain basic tasks independently, like drafting simple contracts or correspondence.

Their main goal is to learn and understand the practical aspects of law, which can’t be fully grasped in a classroom setting.

 

Legal Intern Qualifications and Skills

A Legal Intern should possess a range of qualifications and skills to assist effectively in a law firm or legal department, including:

• Legal research skills to investigate the facts of cases, analyze the relevant laws and regulations, and ensure all information is up-to-date
• Written and verbal communication skills for drafting legal documents, corresponding with clients and other parties, and presenting findings to attorneys
• Attention to detail when reviewing and proofreading legal documents to ensure they are free of errors and meet court requirements
• Understanding of legal terminology and principles to assist in case preparation and legal proceedings
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with a variety of individuals, including attorneys, paralegals, clients, and court personnel
• Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and keep information organized for easy retrieval
• Problem-solving abilities to help identify potential legal issues and suggest solutions
• Ethical judgement and confidentiality understanding to handle sensitive information appropriately and maintain client trust

 

Legal Intern Experience Requirements

Legal Interns are usually law students seeking practical experience in the legal field.

They typically have completed at least one year of law school and have a basic understanding of legal principles and theories.

During their academic training, Legal Interns gain knowledge and skills by participating in moot court competitions, legal research and writing programs, and other law-related activities.

They are also expected to have a strong understanding of legal ethics and professional responsibility.

While no professional experience is generally required for a Legal Intern position, some firms or organizations might prefer candidates who have previous experience in a legal setting, such as a law firm, government agency, or non-profit organization.

This could be through part-time work, summer jobs, or volunteering.

Legal Interns should also have strong research and writing skills, as they will often assist in preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and drafting memos.

Candidates who have demonstrated experience or interest in a particular area of law, such as corporate law, family law, or civil rights law, may be particularly appealing to certain employers.

Therefore, relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or previous internships can also be beneficial.

 

Legal Intern Education and Training Requirements

Legal Interns are typically law students who have completed at least one year of their law degree.

They should be enrolled in an accredited law school and have a strong academic record.

Legal Interns must have a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and theories.

They are often required to have taken courses in areas such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure, and legal writing.

Apart from theoretical knowledge, they should have excellent research skills using legal databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.

Communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential as interns often draft legal documents and correspond with clients and other professionals.

While not mandatory, some law firms may prefer interns who have participated in moot court competitions, law review, or other relevant extracurricular activities in law school.

Interns may also benefit from courses or training in the specific area of law that the firm or organization specializes in, such as corporate law, family law, or intellectual property law.

It’s also worth noting that a successful legal internship can often lead to a full-time job offer post-graduation, so students are encouraged to seek out internships in areas of law they are particularly interested in pursuing as a career.

 

Legal Intern Salary Expectations

A Legal Intern can expect to earn an average wage of $15.00 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual compensation can vary significantly based on the prestige of the law firm, the intern’s law school and year of study, and the region in which the firm is located.

It’s also important to note that some legal internships are unpaid, offering experience and potential career advancement as the primary benefits.

 

Legal Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Legal Intern need?

Legal Interns should possess excellent research and analytical skills to help understand and interpret legal documents.

They should also have strong communication skills to interact effectively with team members and clients, both orally and in writing.

Attention to detail is a must in this role, as is the ability to multitask and prioritize work under tight deadlines.

 

Do Legal Interns need a law degree?

While Legal Interns are typically law students, they do not need a law degree.

Most law firms require their legal interns to be in the process of obtaining their Juris Doctor degree.

Some firms may also consider students pursuing a pre-law undergraduate degree.

 

What should you look for in a Legal Intern resume?

When reviewing a Legal Intern resume, check for their current academic standing and any relevant coursework or projects.

Previous experience in legal research, document drafting, and knowledge of legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis are valuable.

Additionally, any extra-curricular activities or memberships in law-related societies or clubs can indicate a genuine interest in the legal field.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Intern?

A good Legal Intern is proactive, able to learn quickly, and is highly organized.

They need to manage their workload effectively and work well under pressure.

A good Legal Intern should also have strong ethical standards and a professional demeanor, as they will be handling sensitive and confidential information.

 

Do Legal Interns require any specific certifications?

While specific certifications are not typically required for Legal Interns, being certified in legal research tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis can be beneficial.

Additionally, any certification that showcases their skills in legal writing, contract drafting, or corporate law can make a candidate more appealing.

 

What are the typical duties of a Legal Intern?

Legal Interns are usually tasked with conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, preparing briefs, attending client meetings and court proceedings, and assisting attorneys in preparing for trials.

They may also perform administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, and managing correspondence.

The specific duties can vary depending on the size and specialty of the law firm.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the realities of what it truly means to be a legal intern.

Surprise, surprise?

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

It’s about shaping the legal landscape, one case at a time.

With our comprehensive legal intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re now equipped to make your next move.

But why limit yourself?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to legal brilliance.

Never forget:

Each case you handle is part of a larger legal tapestry.

Let’s shape the legal world. Together.

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