Most first-year and second-year LL.B. students go into their first internship with no idea what the daily work actually looks like. Here’s a realistic picture, and how to get real learning out of it rather than just a certificate.
What the work actually is, most days
Expect legal research (case law search, statute lookup), drafting assistance (notices, applications, basic pleadings under supervision), court attendance as an observer, and document organisation. Genuinely substantive drafting work usually comes only after you’ve shown reliability on smaller tasks — this is normal, not a sign the internship is wasted.
How to stand out as an intern
- Ask for feedback on drafts specifically, not just “was this okay” — ask what you’d change if you did it again.
- Keep a research log of every task — this becomes the raw material for your internship report and for answering “what did you learn” in future interviews.
- Observe court proceedings actively — note how arguments are structured, not just what happened.
Red flags worth noticing (not necessarily leaving over)
Being asked to do purely administrative work (photocopying, filing) for the entire duration with zero legal exposure is a sign to proactively ask for substantive work, rather than assuming it will arrive unprompted.
Getting a strong reference afterward
A reference is strongest when it’s specific. Towards the end of the internship, ask your supervising advocate directly whether they’d be willing to provide a reference, and remind them (briefly, in writing) of 2-3 specific pieces of work you did, so any reference they give is concrete rather than generic.
Turning the internship into a writing sample
With permission (and after removing confidential client details), a well-drafted research memo or case note from your internship makes a far stronger writing sample for future internship and job applications than a generic essay.
More: Lexfolio’s free legal content internship · internship cover letter template
Useful books for this topic
- Bare acts of the new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA)
- Code of Civil Procedure bare act
- Legal drafting and conveyancing books
- Constitution of India (coat pocket edition)
As an Amazon Associate, Lexfolio earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are shown on Amazon.
Learn this properly, with a certificate. Legal methods, reading bare acts and judgments, case briefs and the first-year subjects. Law School Starter: Certificate Course for Law Aspirants and First-Year Students, ₹349: self-paced lessons, module quizzes and a final test; pass at 60% for a verifiable Lexfolio certificate.
Want the complete picture? Everyday Law for Every Indian, ₹349 covers all areas of daily life. See all Lexfolio certificate courses
Leave a Reply