Desai & Diwanji Internship Application: Complete Guide for Law Students
Looking to intern at one of India’s most established law firms? This guide covers everything you need to know about the Desai & Diwanji internship application process — from eligibility and required documents to what the internship actually involves.
About Desai & Diwanji
Desai & Diwanji was founded in Mumbai’s financial district in 1930 by two law university friends and highly respected lawyers, Ambubhai D. Desai and Kisonlal M. Diwanji. Today, it stands among the oldest and largest full-service law firms in India, known especially for its work in mergers and acquisitions. The firm has represented major clients such as Société Générale, Union Bank of India, Royal Bank of Scotland, and BNP Paribas, and has been increasingly active in advising start-ups, private equity firms, and venture capital investors across sectors like telecom and infrastructure. LawBhoomi + 3
The firm operates from multiple offices across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, and Indore.
Why Intern at Desai & Diwanji?
The internship programme is designed to give talented and motivated law students a taste of working on complex legal issues in the real world, offering the chance to work alongside experienced lawyers at one of the country’s leading law firms. The objective is to simulate, as closely as possible, the experience of a first-year associate at the firm.
Over a typical 4 to 6 week internship, students are exposed to complex and challenging legal matters in the practice area of their choice. The firm also runs a paralegal programme for Mumbai-based students who want longer-term experience, working at the office after their daily classes end, and a research programme open to 4th and 5th year LLB students, focused on developing legal writing and research skills through work on the firm’s research papers.
Eligibility Criteria
There is officially no fixed eligibility criteria listed on the firm’s website for the general internship programme. That said, leading law firms like Desai & Diwanji generally prefer applicants who are in their 3rd, 4th, or 5th year of a 5-year integrated law programme, or in their final year of a 3-year LLB course.
The dedicated research programme is specifically open to 4th and 5th year LLB students.
How to Apply
Applying is straightforward:
- Prepare your resume/CV highlighting relevant coursework, moot court experience, publications, and any prior internships.
- Email your application to the firm’s internship coordination address (currently interns@desaidiwanji.com for general applications).
- For the research programme, submit a legal article or law-related writing sample along with your CV and a short statement of interest.
- Mention your preferred months if you have specific availability — some programmes ask applicants to indicate this directly in their application.
- Consider noting your preferred practice area in your cover letter (e.g., M&A, arbitration, corporate law), showing you understand the basics of that field.
When to Apply
Because Desai & Diwanji is a sought-after firm, competition for internship spots is high. It’s advisable to apply 5–6 months in advance of your intended internship period to improve your chances.
Office Locations
- Mumbai — Forbes Building, Charanjit Rai Marg, Azad Maidan, Fort
- Delhi
- Gurugram — 16th Floor, Tower C, DLF Epitome, Building No. 5, DLF Phase 3, Gurugram, 122002
- Indore — 507, Vibrant Tower, 9A-9B, Manorama Ganj, A.B. Road, Indore 452001
A Note of Caution
Legitimate internships at reputed firms should never require payment. Be wary of anyone requesting processing fees, certificate charges, or other payments in connection with your application — report such requests to the firm directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Desai & Diwanji internship paid?
Some programmes, particularly the research internship, are noted as paid opportunities. General internship stipends may vary — confirm directly with the firm when applying.
What is the duration of the internship?
Typically 4 to 6 weeks, though this can vary by practice area and programme.
Do I need prior experience to apply?
No formal eligibility criteria are mandated, though most successful applicants are in the later years of their law degree.
