Kochhar & Co. Internship Experience – How Kashyap Cracked It, Straight From a 5th Year Student
Getting into a full-service firm like Kochhar & Co. isn’t just about a strong CV, it’s about knowing exactly how the process actually works from someone who’s been through it. We spoke to Kashyap, a 5th Year BBA LL.B. (Hons.) student from GITAM School of Law, Visakhapatnam, about his internship experience at Kochhar & Co. Here’s his account, in his own words.
Basic Details
Name: Kashyap
Law School + Year: 5th Year, BBA LL.B. (Hons.), GITAM School of Law, Visakhapatnam
Firm/Chamber Name: Kochhar & Co.
Practice Area: General/Rotational. I was not assigned to a specific practice area or team. Instead, I worked with different associates across multiple matters and practice areas, which gave me exposure to a wide range of legal work.
How Did He Secure This Internship?
How did you apply?
I applied through multiple channels to maximize my chances of securing the internship. I submitted my application through the internship section on Kochhar & Co.’s official website and also sent my CV and cover letter via email to the HR team as well as to senior associates of the firm. I believe that applying through multiple avenues demonstrated my genuine interest and improved the visibility of my application.
Roughly how many applications did you send before getting this?
I applied to Kochhar & Co. around three to four times before receiving a positive response. The process required persistence, and I continued applying whenever internship opportunities became available.
What do you think worked in your favour?
I believe my previous internship experiences, participation in activities such as MUNs, Mock Parliament, and debate competitions, along with my published research work, strengthened my profile. These experiences reflected my legal research, analytical, and communication skills, which aligned well with the research-oriented work expected from interns at the firm.
CV / Profile
Key things in your CV that helped you get selected:
My CV highlighted previous internship experience, published legal research work, and active participation in MUNs, Mock Parliament, and debate competitions. Together, these demonstrated both practical legal exposure and strong research and communication skills.
Any specific achievement/experience that made your profile stand out?
I believe my prior internship experience, coupled with my involvement in research publications and legal competitions, helped my application stand out. These experiences showcased my ability to conduct independent legal research, think analytically, and communicate effectively.
Work Experience
What kind of work were you assigned? (drafting/research/meetings etc.)
Most of my work involved legal research, case-law research, preparing case briefs, and drafting case summaries. Since I was not attached to a particular team, I regularly received assignments from different associates across various practice areas. This allowed me to work on diverse legal issues and understand different approaches to legal research and analysis.
Any interesting task or exposure you got?
One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was the opportunity to work with multiple associates instead of being restricted to a single team. This exposed me to different practice areas, working styles, and expectations. Although much of the work was research-oriented, handling assignments from different associates simultaneously helped me develop adaptability, efficiency, and professional communication skills.
Learnings & Challenges
Top 2–3 things you learned during the internship:
The internship significantly improved my legal research and analytical abilities. I learned how to prepare concise and effective case briefs and summaries that could be readily used by associates. I also developed better time-management and organizational skills by handling assignments from multiple associates while ensuring that deadlines were met.
Any challenges or mistakes you made?
The biggest challenge was managing work assigned by different associates at the same time. Since there was no fixed team structure, I had to prioritize tasks efficiently and adapt quickly to different expectations and timelines. Over time, this helped me become more organized and better equipped to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Tips for Juniors
What would you advise someone trying to get a similar internship?
Start applying well in advance and don’t rely on a single application. Apply through the firm’s official website and, wherever appropriate, also reach out professionally to the HR team and relevant associates with a well-drafted cover letter and CV. Focus on building a strong profile through internships, legal research, publications, and participation in activities such as, Moot court competition, MUNs, debates, and Mock Parliament. Most importantly, develop strong legal research skills, remain proactive during the internship, and never hesitate to volunteer for work. Consistency and persistence often make the difference in securing opportunities at top-tier law firms.
Honest Reality Check
How competitive was the process?
The selection process was quite competitive because Kochhar & Co. receives applications from students across the country. Having a well-structured CV, relevant internship experience, and a demonstrated interest in legal research can significantly improve your chances, but persistence is equally important.
Anything people usually don’t tell about such internships?
One thing people rarely mention is that internships at full-service law firms can become extremely demanding. There may be periods when you are handling multiple assignments from different associates simultaneously, which can make the workload feel overwhelming. You should be mentally prepared for long hours, tight deadlines, and the expectation of delivering high-quality work consistently. The key is to stay organized, communicate effectively, prioritize your tasks, and manage the workload efficiently. Learning to perform under pressure is one of the biggest takeaways from such internships.
If you’re building your profile for a similar internship, our guide on how to make a law student CV that stands out to recruiters can help you translate experiences like MUNs, publications, and past internships into a CV that actually gets noticed. Also, if you’re weighing a full-service firm internship against other paths, check out our guide on highest paying career paths in law.
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