Many law students invest in certificate courses on subjects such as contract drafting, due diligence, intellectual property, arbitration, and corporate law with the hope of strengthening their CVs and improving their internship prospects. At the same time, there are differing opinions on whether recruiters genuinely value these certifications or place greater emphasis on practical experience.
As a result, students often struggle to decide whether they should spend their time and money on certificate courses or focus on gaining practical exposure through internships and self-learning.
Based on your experience, which types of courses, if any, do you believe genuinely add value?
Hi,
In my view, certificate courses can certainly be helpful, but they should be seen as a supplement to practical experience rather than a substitute for it.
When assessing candidates for internships, most recruiters and practitioners tend to place greater emphasis on practical exposure, legal research and drafting skills, participation in moots, publications, and demonstrated interest in a particular area of law. A certificate alone may not secure an internship. However, a well-chosen course can of course strengthen your profile and help you develop skills that are directly relevant to the work you wish to undertake.
The courses that generally add the most value are those that focus on practical skills rather than purely theoretical concepts. For instance, courses on contract drafting, due diligence, arbitration practice, legal research, compliance, intellectual property, and corporate transactions can be useful, particularly if they include drafting exercises, case studies, or practical assignments. I would also advise you to focus on quality over quantity. Completing numerous courses simply to collect certificates rarely makes a significant impact. Instead, a few credible and well-structured courses, combined with the ability to demonstrate what you have learnt from them, are likely to be far more beneficial.
If I had to prioritise, I would suggest focusing first on internships and practical exposure, followed by developing strong research and drafting skills. Certificate courses can then be used strategically to deepen your understanding of a particular field or acquire a specific skill set.
Ultimately, employers are generally less interested in the certificate itself and more interested in whether the course has helped you become a better researcher, drafter, and problem-solver. If a course helps you achieve that, it is likely to be a worthwhile investment.
I hope this helps. All the best!
(*The professional designation and organisation mentioned are provided solely for identification purposes. The views and opinions expressed are strictly personal and do not represent those of the organisation or employer.*)
Dear Student,
Yes, certificate courses definitely help in several key aspects. They serve as an excellent medium to portray yourself as a proactive individual who is genuinely interested in a particular field and is actively looking to refine their skills. While these courses are not a surefire guarantee to land an internship, they can certainly act as a stepping stone. Recruiters will recognize that you possess a foundational understanding and a certain level of practical knowledge apart from your prior experience.
When choosing a course, you should always prioritize those that teach specific practical skills and add concrete value to your knowledge base, as both of these assets prove highly beneficial in the long run. I highly recommend taking specialized courses in areas such as drafting or any other specific field you wish to pursue. This targeted approach will significantly help in building a strong, professional profile.
(*The professional designation and organisation mentioned are provided solely for identification purposes. The views and opinions expressed are strictly personal and do not represent those of the organisation or employer.*)
