One question that frequently arises among law students is what they are actually expected to know before beginning their first internship at a law firm. Most students work on getting good grades and building their CV, but they are often confused about the skills that law firms actually expect from an intern.
Because of this, students are not sure what they should focus on before their internship. Should they spend more time improving legal research and drafting, learning how to use legal databases, understanding commercial issues, or developing professional skills? Many students worry that they may not be prepared enough when they join a firm.
From the perspective of a partner or recruiter, what skills and qualities do you expect an intern to already have before joining a law firm? Additionally, what are the most common shortcomings you notice in interns, and what practical advice would you give to students who wish to make a strong impression during their internship?
Dear Learner,
Starting your journey as a law firm intern is an exciting step and to make the most of this experience, there are a few foundational skills you must actively cultivate. Whether you are assisting with daily trial preparation or looking ahead at a career in litigation, mastering these essentials will set you apart.
- Legal research is the backbone of litigation. Advocates constantly require pinpoint case laws for daily arguments and counsel briefings. You must become thoroughly equipped with professional databases like SCC Online and Manupatra. Additionally, develop a habit of searching the official Supreme Court of India database directly. Occasionally, recent or specific orders may not be immediately reported in commercial databases, and knowing how to navigate the official source is crucial.
- You will have to learn the art of case briefing which will be developed throughout the legal career. Do not just read case laws, learn to analyse and summarise them efficiently. Train yourself to instantly identify and highlight the core facts of the matter, the specific legal issues framed and the ratio decidendi. Maintaining well-structured summaries will allow you to quickly retrieve relevant precedents the moment your senior or firm needs them.
- If your goal is litigation, you must understand how courts function day-to-day. Check the official court websites regularly to track if a specific bench is sitting, on leave, or reconstituted. Maximise your use of the e-Courts platform to track case statuses, daily orders, and filing defects.
- When you visit the courtrooms to track your firm’s matters or observe ongoing proceedings, remember that you are representing your office. Be an active observer. Pay close attention to how arguments are structured, how judges respond, and strictly maintain the required decorum and professionalism of the bar.
- Maintain an Internship Diary. Keep a meticulous daily record of the tasks, research assignments, and drafting work you handle. This is highly practical for two reasons:
- a)Most firms strictly require a detailed work log before issuing your internship certificate.
- b)It serves as a tangible record of your learning curve and the practical exposure you gained during your tenure.
- The legal profession demands resilience. Working hours in law firms can be intense, and litigation thrives on a fast, adaptive pace. Treat these demanding hours not just as a routine, but as training for the high-stakes environment of a future legal practice.
Approach every task with curiosity and discipline. The habits you form during these internships will build the foundation of your legal career. It is absolutely normal to learn at your pace, things do take time.
Wishing you the very best.
Regards,
Advocate Kripa Kami
(*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.*)
