Dressing up professionally — in black and white formals on most days, sometimes a blazer too — even in the scorching heat, preparing legal documents full of jargon, carrying case files to the assigned courtrooms and missing lunch breaks or having late lunches is a usual part of a law intern’s daily routine.
From the first day of law school, it is not just the subjects we study and the extensive case laws that are overwhelming for a student, it is also the accompanying anxiety of finding the right places to intern in, as it is a crucial part of a career in law. The struggle doubled for me when I decided to pursue an internship at a law firm after a rigorous eight-hour class schedule every day.
As a law student, and especially as a law intern, every time you think you are going to be a good litigator, reality hits you — it isn’t that easy, and this field is more about practical exposure and learning than theoretical knowledge. It is a continuous, long-term process. For a new joinee or fresher in the field of litigation, internship at law firms with litigating advocates or senior advocates and visits with them to different courts and tribunals are a must. These internships offer essential real-world experience as well as an insight into the legal profession.
When I started my first day of internship in Delhi, there was another challenge waiting for me. I am a Kannadiga who barely spoke Hindi. I had to work on my Hindi vocabulary over time and did extensive research and reading to get used to the legal jargon.
Attending court
Depending on the internship, law interns usually assist senior attorneys during court proceedings. Under the supervision of my mentors, I am often asked to research case laws and prepare arguments in court. Such experiences boost confidence, develop public speaking abilities and give a glimpse of the advocacy side of law. Understanding how my seniors and other colleagues present themselves and their respective cases before the judge, witnessing argumentation, courtroom etiquette and cross examination excite me. I also take copious notes on procedural aspects.
When you attend courtroom proceedings, you witness a range of issues from matrimonial disputes to civil matters and sometimes criminal matters as well. Attending matrimonial disputes at family courts is quite often very distressing.
Client interactions
I also get the opportunity to meet clients who visit the law firm for consultations. Drafting legal documents and researching landmark judgements that are relevant and related to clients’ needs provide insight into the practical application of legal ideas. Under the supervision of experienced solicitors, I assist in the preparation of contracts, briefs, affidavits and other such legal instruments. This experience helps me sharpen my drafting skills and understand the level of attention to detail required in legal writing.
For soon-to-be lawyers like myself, it is imperative to frequently examine case files and study legal documents in order to come up with pertinent facts, issues and arguments.
Seminars and workshops
Workshops and seminars for interns and young lawyers are routinely organised by law firms and legal bodies. These serve as learning platforms, allowing interns to broaden their expertise, learn from seasoned professionals and network.
Constant upgradation
To stay updated with the ever-changing legal landscape, a law intern must engage in continuous learning. While most law interns pursue their internship during the semester breaks of their law course, some like me — who wish to get into litigation — need to regularly put in a few hours post college
It is essential to commit time for legal education and to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the legal field. To improve my knowledge and understanding of numerous legal matters, I read legal publications, attend webinars and regularly keep track of resources that are available online.
Usually the day ends very late for interns, depending upon the location and the firm you are working at. Sometimes I ask for inputs from mentors and coworkers to better understand my strengths and areas for improvement. This reflection assists me in making the most of my internship experience and growing both personally and professionally.
A day in a law intern’s life is a frenzy of events, challenges and learning opportunities. Being deeply involved in the legal world from a nascent stage provides me with the skills and confidence necessary to become a successful legal professional.
In my entire internship period of 13 months at a mid-sized law firm, I have realised that you learn the most from your seniors and mentors, since it is not always a cakewalk if you are a first-generation lawyer in today’s times.
The writer is a final-year student of law
Last updated on 03 Oct 2023
