Introduction
Securing an internship at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM), one of India’s leading law firms, is a goal for many law students. However, there is a common perception that opportunities at tier-1 law firms are accessible only to students from top National Law Universities and elite institutions.
This internship experience challenges that belief.
In this interview, Kashyap, a fifth-year BBA LL.B. (Hons.) student from a tier-3 law school, shares his journey of securing an internship at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas after facing multiple rejections. He discusses his application strategy, the profile he built over the years, the work he handled during the internship, key learnings, challenges, and practical advice for aspiring law students.
For students searching for a genuine Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas internship experience, this conversation offers valuable insights into what it takes to break into a top-tier law firm through persistence, consistency, and continuous profile building.
Experience
Can you tell us about your basic details?
Kashyap ., 5th Year, BBA LL.B. (Hons.) | Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., Delhi | General Corporate & Commercial Laws
1. How did you secure this internship?
I applied through the firm’s official internship process by emailing my CV along with a cover email highlighting my academic interests, previous internship experiences, and extracurricular activities. I mailed my application to internship@amsshardul.com.
2. What did your CV/profile look like at the time?
My CV included prior internship experiences, legal research exposure, moot court competitions, debates, MUNs, and research paper publications. I believe my consistent involvement in research-oriented legal work and practical exposure beyond academics helped strengthen my profile.
3. What kind of work did you do during the internship?
I worked on legal research, document review, preparing case notes, assisting in drafting-related tasks, and attending discussions on ongoing matters.
One of the most interesting aspects was understanding how corporate transactions and legal advisory work function in a top-tier law firm environment. I also gained exposure to professional communication, teamwork, and handling time-sensitive assignments.
4. What were your key learnings and challenges?
I learned the importance of attention to detail in legal drafting and research, how corporate law firms function under strict timelines, and the value of professional communication and workplace discipline.
Initially, adapting to the pace and expectations of a tier-1 law firm was challenging. Managing multiple assignments simultaneously also pushed me to improve my time-management skills.
5. What advice would you give to juniors?
Build your CV gradually through internships, research work, competitions, and certifications. Be consistent with applications and don’t get discouraged by rejections. Networking and maintaining professionalism in communication also matter a lot.
6. What is the honest reality of such internships?
The process is highly competitive, especially because top-tier firms receive applications from students across leading law schools in India.
One thing people often don’t talk about is that these internships are not just about the “brand name.” They involve long working hours, pressure, and the need to constantly learn and adapt quickly. The experience is rewarding, but it also demands discipline and professionalism.
📍 What makes this story special is simple: getting into a tier-1 law firm is not reserved only for students from top colleges. Consistency, persistence, and profile-building over time genuinely make a difference.
Rejected 3 times. Still kept applying. Eventually made it to SAM.
That’s exactly why this series is called Success Stories.
Key Takeaways from this Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas Internship Experience
This internship experience highlights an important reality of the legal profession: success is rarely linear. While securing an internship at a leading law firm like Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas is highly competitive, a strong profile built through internships, research work, moot courts, publications, and consistent effort can significantly improve a student’s chances.
Kashyap’s journey demonstrates that multiple rejections do not define a candidate’s potential. What ultimately matters is persistence, continuous learning, and the willingness to keep applying despite setbacks.
For law students aspiring to secure internships at tier-1 law firms, this story serves as a reminder that opportunities are not limited by the name of one’s law school. A focused approach towards skill development, practical exposure, and professional growth can open doors that may initially seem out of reach.
We thank Kashyap for sharing his Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas internship experience and hope his journey inspires other law students to continue building their profiles and pursuing their goals with determination.