For law students and recent graduates, few opportunities are as valuable as a legal internship. It’s your chance to step away from textbooks and step into the world of client cases, real legal documents, and professional mentorship. But what exactly happens during a law internship and how can you make the most of it?
Whether you're interning at a private law firm, a community legal centre, or within a corporate legal team, here's what to expect beyond the classroom.
1. Legal Research - The Foundation of Case Work
One of the core tasks you'll likely take on is legal research.
This involves:
- Interpreting legislation and case law
- Summarising judicial decisions
- Preparing briefing notes or memos for solicitors
Research might sound familiar from university, but in an internship, the stakes are real. Your work could directly inform legal strategy or client advice. It’s a chance to sharpen your ability to interpret and apply legal principles under the guidance of qualified professionals.
2. Drafting Legal Documents
- Client letters
- Contracts and agreements
- Court forms or affidavits
You’ll learn how to write with precision, clarity, and appropriate tone, skills essential for any lawyer. You'll also receive feedback on your work, helping you develop both your technical knowledge and your legal writing style.
3. Exposure to Client Matters
Depending on the firm or organisation, interns may be involved in client-facing work, a valuable experience for those looking to enter legal practice. While you won’t be providing legal advice directly, you may:
- Sit in on client interviews or mediations
- Observe court proceedings
- Assist in preparing case files or evidence summaries
This kind of exposure helps interns understand the client journey, from first contact through to legal resolution.
4. Professional Etiquette and Office Culture
Internships are also a gateway to understanding law firm culture and workplace expectations. You’ll observe how lawyers interact with clients, manage case deadlines, and balance multiple matters at once.
Expect to learn:
- How to handle confidential information
- Appropriate communication with senior lawyers and clients
- The importance of time management and billing awareness
These soft skills are rarely taught in university but are crucial to legal practice.
5. Mentorship and Feedback
Most legal internships include structured or informal mentorship. Supervisors may offer:
- Regular check-ins to track your progress
- Constructive feedback on written tasks
- Career guidance and Q&A opportunities
This kind of support can help clarify your interests, whether it’s criminal, commercial, family, or environmental law, and shape your next steps.
6. Building Your Legal Resume
Even if your internship is short-term, it’s a powerful addition to your resume. Employers look favourably on candidates who have:
- Practical experience in legal environments
- Drafted real documents or conducted meaningful research
- Demonstrated commitment and initiative through structured internships
Bonus tip: keep a journal during your internship to record what you worked on, what you learned, and reflections you can use later in job interviews.
Launch Your Legal Career with Premium Graduate
At Premium Graduate, we understand how important it is to gain practical legal experience and how difficult it can be to secure the right placement.
Our law internship programs are designed to connect you with reputable firms across Australia, match you with opportunities aligned to your area of interest and provide support throughout your placement, from CV preparation to interview coaching.
A legal career starts with real-world experience. Let us help you take the first step with confidence.
Contact us today to get started.
