Introduction: Let’s Be Honest, Shall We?
If you’ve ever typed “how to intern at a law firm” into your search bar with sweaty fingers and a racing heart — you’re not alone.
Here’s what nobody else is saying out loud:
Law firm internships are hard to land.
The process is nerve-wracking.
The experience, once you get in, is not always glamorous.
But ! That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, or even hopeless. You just need the uncensored version of the story—peppered with truths, tips, timelines, and a bit of tough love.
Sound good? Keep reading.
1. The Problem with “How to Intern at a Law Firm” Guides You’ve Already Read
Most blogs about law firm internships? Yeah, they’re copy-pasted from outdated career portals.
They paint this perfect picture:
- Apply early
- Customize your resume
- Write a tailored cover letter
- Be confident at interviews
But they never talk about:
- Your resume looks the same as a thousand others’.
- How hard it is to even get a rejection email, let alone a callback.
- Unpaid internships rack up major costs.
- How law firms see interns as an extra pair of hands, not students they need to nurture.
We’re not here to discourage you — but we are here to prepare you.
2. First: What Kind of Law Firm Are You Actually Looking At?
Not all law firms are BigLaw.
Not all internships are created equal.
Here’s what’s on the table:
BigLaw (and its baby siblings)
- Fancy corporate offices.
- Formal internship programs.
- Paid internships (if you’re lucky).
- Ridiculously competitive.
TL;DR: Hard to get in, but well-structured once you’re there.
Mid-sized or Boutique Firms
- Specialized practice areas (Think: IP, tax, family law).
- Often more hands-on experience.
- Think real exposure, real clients…but often unpaid.
TL;DR: More accessible but still challenging.
Individual Lawyers or Chambers
- Highly practical (think drafting, research, prepping for court).
- Good relationships go far here.
- But structure? Super informal.
TL;DR: Amazing experience — if you find the right person.
Legal NGOs & Nonprofits
- Policy work, rights-based approaches, deep research.
- Purpose-driven.
- Often flexible, sometimes remote.
TL;DR: Ideal if you love human rights, climate law, or social justice.
3. Timeline: What Has Changed from 2010 to 2025?
| Year | Internship Access | Structure | Reality Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mostly cold emails | Very informal | Resume-based “who you know” game |
| 2015 | Online forms emerge | Slightly clearer | Still favors top colleges |
| 2020 | Pandemic-era chaos | Virtual options | Many firms pause internship hiring |
| 2023 | Hybrid returns | More remote + in-office hybrids | Applications double |
| 2025 | AI filters, global apps | More professional but more cut-throat | More rejection than response |
4. So… How Do You Actually Land a Law Firm Internship?
Let’s break it down — in real-world terms.
Step 1: Be Ridiculously Organized
- Create a spreadsheet. Like, yesterday.
- Track firms, emails, deadlines, contacts.
- Group by category: BigLaw, Lit firms, NGOs, etc.
Pro Tip: Apply in waves. Don’t shoot everything out in one batch (it’s exhausting and ineffective).
Step 2: Don’t Send a Generic Resume
- Tailor. Every. Single. Line.
- One-size-fits-all will not work here.
- Mention recent cases the firm worked on. Show you care.
Template won’t cut it. Your voice should reflect your goals and WHY you’re applying there.
Step 3: Email Like You’re Asking for Coffee, Not a Job
Here’s the awkward truth: most people don’t read robotic emails from applicants.
Write like a real person. Be respectful, polite, professional—but not boring.
Example:
Hello [Name],
I’ve been following [Firm Name]’s work on antitrust litigation and was particularly interested in your recent case involving [X]. I’m currently pursuing my law degree at [Your University], and I’d appreciate the opportunity to contribute and learn as an intern this [Term/Season]. Please find my CV attached.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Step 4: Keep Going, Even After Silence
Internship applications are brutal. You’ll send out 20 apps and get 2 responses. That doesn’t mean you “did it wrong”—it just means the field is flooded.
Don’t let silence eat your confidence.
Step 5: Interviews Are More About Fit Than Facts
If you get shortlisted , get ready for questions like:
- “Why our firm?”
- “Your strengths and weaknesses?”
- “What area of law interests you, and why?”
Be confident. But be human.
5. What’s It Really Like Inside a Law Firm as an Intern?
Once you actually land it, here’s the real picture:
You’ll do research. A LOT of research.
And yes, sometimes it’s just for someone else’s footnote.
You might draft or proofread legal docs.
You’ll double-check spacing while dreaming of courtrooms.
You’ll make coffee runs.
Or fix the printer. You’re not above any of it.
You’ll (hopefully) sit in on meetings.
Internships = observation + initiative.
You’ll need to ask questions (wisely).
You’re there to learn. But tread lightly and read the room.
6. The Hard Parts No One’s Talking About
- Unpaid will feel unfair. But it’s real. Unless it’s BigLaw, be ready to intern for experience, not income.
- Commuting. If you’re in a major city, it’s time, energy, and money.
- Mental health. Impostor syndrome? Say hello. The law field can chew up your confidence if you’re not careful.
- No guarantees. Even the best internship might not lead to a job offer. And that’s okay.
7. What People Are Actually Searching For (SEO Insight)
Let’s sprinkle in the keywords to help YOU find the info you’re really after:
- how to intern at a law firm
- law firm internship process 2025
- how to get a legal internship
- paid vs unpaid law internships
- who to contact for a legal internship
- nailing a law firm internship interview
- how to write a law internship cover letter
- how to cold email for a law internship
8. Conclusion: The Honest Truth About Interning at a Law Firm
Here’s what you need to remember:
- You’re not behind. Everyone is figuring this out.
- It’s okay to feel discouraged. It’s okay to feel stuck.
- What matters most is consistency, not perfection.
- The right law firm internship might not be the most famous one—but the one where you really learn something.
You’re building your career. Block by block. Email by email. Rejection by rejection. Case brief by case brief.
And someday? You’ll look back at this moment and smile. Because you kept going—when lots of people didn’t.
Final Words — Human to Human
So, don’t just ask “how to intern at a law firm.” Ask:
- How can I stand out without selling out?
- What environments do I thrive in?
- How many “No’s” am I willing to face before I land that “Yes”?
Got a law firm internship win, horror story, or question? Drop it in the comments. Let’s deal with the real stuff—together.
