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Graduate Legal Intern Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Legal Intern information

What is a graduate legal intern?

Graduate Legal Interns are recent law school graduates or current law students who work in legal settings, such as law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, to gain practical legal experience. They assist attorneys with research, drafting legal documents, and case preparation under supervision. This role allows them to develop their legal skills, build professional networks, and gain insight into various areas of law before becoming fully licensed attorneys.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate legal intern expect during their internship?

As a Graduate Legal Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as conducting legal research, drafting memos and briefs, assisting with case preparation, and attending client meetings or court proceedings. Interns often collaborate closely with attorneys and paralegals, gaining exposure to real-world legal issues and processes. The workload may vary depending on the organization, but you'll likely balance multiple assignments and deadlines, providing a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills and professional relationships. This hands-on experience is essential for building your legal acumen and can open doors for future employment within the firm or related legal fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate legal intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Legal Intern, you need a solid understanding of legal principles, strong research and writing skills, and a relevant law degree or enrollment in law school. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in using Microsoft Office are typically expected. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for producing accurate legal work, supporting attorneys effectively, and gaining valuable experience in a professional legal environment.

What is the difference between Graduate Legal Intern vs Legal Assistant?

AspectGraduate Legal InternLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed law degreeHigh school diploma or associate degree, some legal training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in law firms, courts, or legal departmentsOffice environment supporting legal staff, administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level legal experienceCompared for legal support roles

The main difference is that a Graduate Legal Intern is usually a law student or recent graduate gaining practical experience, while a Legal Assistant is a support role requiring less formal legal education. Interns focus on learning and assisting with legal research, whereas Legal Assistants handle administrative and clerical tasks to support legal teams.

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Graduate Legal Intern jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Graduate Legal Intern job openings:

Administration Student - Oil Sands

Fort Mcmurray, AB

Canadian Natural
10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:


Are you a student looking for an exciting opportunity that is full of meaningful, diverse, and ambitious assignments working alongside industry leading professionals? Join Canadian Natural, where our culture fosters a fun working environment, development of meaningful relationships and continuous learning.

This role will provide you with an opportunity to work alongside experienced and talented professionals and take part in interesting and challenging work assignments. Building on classroom studies, you will develop and enhance your skills while working with mentors to 'kick-start' a successful career as an Administrative Professional. Working in a challenging, high volume, fast-paced environment, you will work closely with the Office Services team to provide administrative support for several areas throughout Albian and Horizon.

  • Location: Fort McMurray, AB - Horizon Oil Sands
  • Shift: 4 days on, 3 days off, 10-hour shifts (Monday - Thursday)
  • Term length: 4 or 8 months
  • Term start: May 2027
  • Safety sensitive position: Yes 

Key Accountabilities:

  • Provide exceptional customer service in person, over the phone and via email to all staff, contractors and vendors
  • Responsible for collection and distribution of all incoming and outgoing mail
  • Ensure refreshments and coffee supplies are stocked, maintain inventory, and reporting any issues
  • Requisition, distribute, and maintain inventory of office supplies and stationery
  • Create and distribute internal correspondence, including posters, memorandums and departmental communications
  • Create reports and maintain spreadsheets ensuring all data is up to date and accurate
  • Prioritize workspace efficiency, office tidiness and organization
  • Support with vacation coverages, events and other administrative duties as required
  • Challenging projects that develop your expertise and prepare you for full-time employment

What You Bring to The Role:

  • Currently enrolled, or a new graduate, in a degree or diploma program in Business Management, Business/Office Administration, or an equivalent combination

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary
  • Quality camp facilities with multiple amenities available 
  • Company Sponsored Fly-In/Fly-Out from Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
  • Multiple volunteer opportunities within the community
  • Students may be eligible for relocation assistance pursuant to Canadian Natural's Student Relocation Policy (Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations during the work term)
  • Opportunities to partake in initiatives such as the Intern Social Committee

Check out our COMPENSATION & BENEFITS overview to see what we have to offer!

If you are interested in this exciting student work term opportunity, please include your resume, cover letter (optional) and unofficial transcripts as part of your online application.

 All candidates applying to Canadian Natural must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. This posting will close once a successful candidate has been selected.

Canadian Natural operates one of the largest Campus Recruitment programs in the country, hiring over 400 students every year. Students hired on with us are made to feel a part of the team, gaining high level experience, knowledge, and training that introduces and prepares them for full-time employment. 

We are proud to share that Canadian Natural has been ranked as a Top Employer for 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Canada's Future Workforce and also one of Forbes' Canada's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026.

Industry Leader: We commenced business in 1989 with a handful of employees and modest production, but today we employ more than 10,000 people and produce over 1 million BOE/d. 

Community Investment: Social responsibility is a critical element of our commitment to responsible operations and part of our success and pride as a Company. We are committed to investing in the communities where we live and work, creating shared value along the way.

Compensation and Benefits: We strive to share Company success with all employees through a comprehensive total compensation package.

Our People, Our Stories: Our stories demonstrate the strong culture that exists at Canadian Natural - one that focuses on developing people, working together and doing it right, with fun and integrity.

Check out some of our Student Testimonials!