Discover the Secrets to a Successful Legal Internship

Sep 12, 2023

Written By Lewis Ogg

Internships are key for all prospective solicitors looking to secure that elusive training contract. Placements are the most common way for firms to hire for training contracts because they allow for a more extensive assessment of candidates in terms of both social and technical competency. This article will walk you through not only how to find the right internship for you and succeed in your application but also how to make the most of your opportunity when you get it.

Finding the Right Legal Internship

One of the most critical aspects of finding the right internship for you is understanding how the firm's practice areas and career prospects align with your interests and ambitions. These schemes are not just for firms; they offer applicants unrivalled insights into the inner workings of a firm and allow for the building of early professional networks that will have value throughout their whole careers.

For example, if you are leaning towards a fast-paced finance-orientated career in London, an American firm such as Akin Gump or Sidley Austin may be for you. Alternatively, regional firms like Womble Bond Dickinson and Addleshaw Goddard offer a terrific chance to get experience in employment and construction across the UK.

When looking for an internship, it is essential to start early and use all the available resources. Most applications open in September/October for the following summer, meaning that before this point, you should try making use of networking events and your university career services so that you can create a tailored application. In the cases of specific firms, check either their website or general job directories to find relevant application dates. Remember, the best approach to applications is to be organised and early.

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Crafting a Standout Application

Having researched the firm before making your application, you should know what skills they prioritise and what experiences and skills to highlight when tailoring your application. While you should always emphasise your legal work experience, remember firms are looking for the transferable skills you learnt from those experiences, so don’t ignore any non-legal experience you think could be relevant.

If you progress past the first stage, nailing down your interview technique is vital for success. Interviews are a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your interpersonal and presenting skills in a personal environment. When preparing for the interview, remember to thoroughly research the firm and its recent cases so that you can best tailor your responses to highlight how your professional interests align with the firm's initiatives.

Excelling During Your Legal Internship

When you manage to secure an internship, treat it as a trial run of what life would be like at the firm. It is a two-way exchange. On your side, make sure that you fulfil all the traits desired of a trainee, such as dressing appropriately, being punctual, and consistently engaging with activities. In-tray and written exercises are also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your willingness to learn and your observation of relevant ethical standards like client confidentiality. On their side, remember that the firm will also be trying to convince you that this is the right place to start your professional career, and you should take the time to assess whether it is somewhere you could see yourself working.

Showcasing Your Value

Across the course of your internship, there will be a huge variety of activities such as in-tray, research, or presentation tasks where you can demonstrate the breadth of your skills. You should look to these tasks as opportunities to show your creative insights; however, this should not be at the expense of silencing team members. Instead, consider how best to bring quieter team members into valuable discussions.

If you have any free time in between sessions, bear in mind that firms love eager trainees, so within reason, try to take on additional responsibilities to demonstrate your interest and commitment. It is also generally good practice to record your achievements throughout the internship, considering what went well and how you could have improved in other areas.

Building Relationships and Networks

Internships are a fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network; even if you don’t secure a training contract, you never know when the contacts you make might be useful down the line. The exposure to professionals at all levels offers an amazing opportunity to gain insights into possible career progression, and receive mentorship and advice from individuals who have followed your desired road. The firm may also organise more formal networking events; participating in these can be very useful because everyone there will be interested in expanding their networks.

Seeking Long-Term Opportunities

While everyone goes into an internship hoping to gain a training contract, remember that other opportunities may be available, such as becoming a paralegal, which may allow you to gain qualifying work experience while working towards a training contract. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from the experienced professionals who you will be surrounded by; they might have advice you have not yet considered.

If you strike up a strong relationship with your supervisor during your scheme, don’t be embarrassed to ask them for a letter of recommendation. You might not be awarded a training contract for many reasons, so don’t be afraid to highlight a strong impression, even if the overall application was unsuccessful.

Conclusion: Your Path to Finding a Legal Career

Internships are an integral stepping-stone in the professional journey of most aspiring lawyers, offering invaluable insights into the industry and hopefully leading to long-term employment opportunities. Given this importance, remember to carefully consider your applications, making sure you choose the right firm for you, and that you have tailored your CV to align with their initiatives. Being early, organised, and thorough in both the application and the internship will show the best version of you.

Legal Work Experience