Paralegal Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the legal industry, the value of paralegal interns is becoming increasingly prominent.

As law firms and legal departments evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can assist, contribute to, and protect our legal processes grows stronger.

But let’s break this down: What’s truly expected from a paralegal intern?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of a paralegal internship,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we provide a customizable paralegal intern job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Paralegal Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Paralegal Interns assist in a variety of tasks that provide them with practical experience in the legal field.

They are usually under the supervision of experienced paralegals or attorneys.

Their primary tasks and responsibilities include:

• Conducting legal research and drafting legal documents
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for trials, hearings, and meetings
• Maintaining and organizing legal files and case documents
• Reviewing and summarizing legal documents for attorneys
• Filing documents with courts and other relevant bodies
• Communicating with clients, witnesses, court personnel, and other professionals
• Performing administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and maintaining office records
• Following ethical procedures and confidentiality guidelines to protect client information

 

Paralegal Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented, hardworking and organized Paralegal Intern to join our team.

The Paralegal Intern will assist with the preparation of legal documents, conduct research on various legal issues, and provide administrative support to our legal team.

Our ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in legal studies or a related field and are keen to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Ultimately, the role of the Paralegal Intern is to support our legal team, ensuring that all tasks and projects are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and drafting legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, and pleadings
• Conduct legal research and prepare summaries on various issues
• Organize and maintain legal files
• Provide administrative support to lawyers and enhance office effectiveness
• Handle communication with clients, witnesses etc.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
• Attend court proceedings or meetings as required

 

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in legal studies or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Knowledge of legal terminology and principles
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

 

Benefits

• Mentoring from experienced legal professionals
• Real-world experience in a professional legal environment
• Potential for job offer after internship
• Flexible work schedule
• Course credit (if applicable)

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Paralegal Intern
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for court appearances or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Paralegal or Attorney.
• Stipend: The stipend is based upon candidate experience, qualifications and duration of the internship.
• 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a reference from a professor or previous employer to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Paralegal Intern Do?

Paralegal Interns are law students or recent graduates who are gaining practical experience in a legal setting before embarking on their professional careers.

They work under the supervision of experienced paralegals or attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies.

Their primary role is to assist in various legal activities.

This often involves conducting legal research to gather and analyze information for cases, drafting legal documents such as contracts, briefs, and pleadings, and organizing and maintaining case files.

Paralegal Interns may also be tasked with administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and maintaining contact with clients.

They may observe court proceedings, client meetings, and other professional legal activities to gain real-world experience and understanding of legal procedures and practices.

These interns also play a crucial role in preparing for trials by organizing exhibits, assisting with witness preparation, and drafting settlement agreements.

The goal of a paralegal intern is to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, while learning and developing essential skills for their future legal careers.

 

Paralegal Intern Qualifications and Skills

A Paralegal Intern should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including the following:

• Understanding of basic legal principles and terminologies to assist in legal research and document drafting.
• Proficiency in using legal research platforms and databases, such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, to gather and analyze legal information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting legal documents, memos, and communicating with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills to manage various tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail for tasks such as proofreading legal documents, maintaining files, and tracking important dates and deadlines.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively within a team of attorneys and other paralegals.
• Problem-solving skills to identify legal issues and recommend solutions.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software for tasks such as document creation, data management, and presentation.
• Ethical integrity to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

 

Paralegal Intern Experience Requirements

Paralegal Interns are usually students pursuing a degree in law or a related field.

They may have gained some relevant experience through academic coursework that includes legal research, litigation, contract law, or intellectual property.

Some students may already have prior experience working in a law firm or court, possibly in an administrative role.

This experience could provide a basic understanding of legal processes and terminology, which can be beneficial during their internship.

Interns with more than 1 year of experience may have undertaken substantial coursework or projects that involve drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, or assisting attorneys in preparation for trials.

They might also have experience in client communication and case management.

Those with more than 2 years of experience may have held previous internships or part-time roles in legal services.

They might have a deeper understanding of legal procedures and substantive law, and they could be prepared to take on more complex tasks such as drafting pleadings, interviewing witnesses, or managing case files.

 

Paralegal Intern Education and Training Requirements

A Paralegal Intern is generally expected to be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or associate degree in paralegal studies, law, or a related field.

They are required to have a solid understanding of legal principles, legal research techniques, and legal terminology.

This is typically gained through their degree program which provides theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for the role.

Paralegal Interns are expected to have excellent written and oral communication skills, organization skills, and a strong attention to detail.

Knowledge of computer software applications like Microsoft Office Suite is usually required, and familiarity with legal databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis can be beneficial.

While certification is not typically required for an intern, those seeking to advance in the paralegal field may choose to pursue certification from organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP).

Internships are generally considered a valuable part of a paralegal’s education, providing hands-on experience and a chance to apply what has been learned in a real-world setting.

 

Paralegal Intern Salary Expectations

A Paralegal Intern can expect to earn an average wage of $15.68 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary significantly based on the size of the firm, the geographical location, and the intern’s educational background and relevant experience.

 

Paralegal Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Paralegal Intern need?

Paralegal Interns should have strong research and writing skills as they will be tasked with helping to prepare legal documents and researching legal precedents.

They should also have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with legal professionals and clients.

Good organizational skills are essential for managing case files and other legal documents.

 

What educational background is needed for a Paralegal Intern?

Paralegal Interns are typically in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a field such as legal studies, political science, or a related discipline.

Alternatively, they could also be in a paralegal certificate program.

It’s beneficial, but not essential, for the intern to have completed courses in legal research, writing, and civil procedure.

 

What tasks can a Paralegal Intern expect to perform?

Paralegal Interns assist attorneys and paralegals with a variety of tasks including researching legal issues, drafting documents, organizing files, reviewing court filings and legal correspondence, and assisting with trial preparation.

They may also have the opportunity to attend court proceedings or client meetings to gain firsthand experience.

 

What qualities make a good Paralegal Intern?

A good Paralegal Intern is eager to learn and able to adapt to the fast-paced environment of a legal setting.

They are detail-oriented, ensuring all work is accurate and thorough.

Good Paralegal Interns are also trustworthy, as they often handle sensitive and confidential information.

Additionally, they should have strong analytical skills to understand and interpret legal documents and principles.

 

What kind of supervision and training will a Paralegal Intern receive?

Paralegal Interns are usually supervised by a senior paralegal or an attorney.

The level of supervision can vary depending on the firm and the specific tasks assigned.

Regarding training, Paralegal Interns typically receive on-the-job training to understand the processes and procedures of the firm.

They may also receive specific training on legal research tools and databases.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the real-world responsibilities of a paralegal intern.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about managing documents.

It’s about helping to sculpt the trajectory of justice, one legal task at a time.

With our comprehensive paralegal intern job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why rest on your laurels?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate resource for creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to its finest.

Remember:

Every legal document or task is a piece of the larger legal puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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