1

Graduate Legal Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Graduate Legal Intern information

See salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do graduate legal intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate legal intern in the United States is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Graduate Legal Interns?

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.

Is 20 an hour good for an internship?

For a Graduate Legal Intern, $20 an hour is generally considered above average for legal internships, which often pay between minimum wage and $20 per hour depending on location and organization. Interns should also consider the workload, responsibilities, and whether the pay aligns with industry standards in their area. Compensation can vary based on the internship's duration, organization size, and whether it is unpaid or paid.

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 are the big 4 internships?

The Big 4 internships typically refer to internship programs at Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms offer legal, accounting, consulting, and audit internships for students pursuing degrees in related fields, providing valuable experience and networking opportunities.

Is a legal internship worth it?

A legal internship provides practical experience, networking opportunities, and a better understanding of legal work, which can enhance a candidate's resume and improve job prospects after graduation. It also helps develop skills such as research, writing, and client communication, making it a valuable step for aspiring lawyers. However, the value depends on the internship's quality and how well it aligns with career goals.

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.

Can a graduate be an intern?

Yes, a graduate can serve as a legal intern, especially in roles like a graduate legal intern, which often involves gaining practical experience in legal research, writing, and case analysis. Many internships are open to recent graduates to help them develop skills and understand the legal environment before pursuing full-time positions.
What cities are hiring for Graduate Legal Intern jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Legal Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Legal jobs? The most popular types of Graduate Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Legal Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Legal Intern jobs include:
Staff Attorney

$68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farm workers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more-at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and pro bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.
This position is responsible for providing civil legal services as a member of the Disaster Legal Services team in the areas of Probate, Real Estate, Consumer, and Bankruptcy as well as other areas unique to disaster recovery, offering representation and advocacy to individuals, families, and vulnerable communities in need of support.
Essential Functions
  1. Interviews, certifies eligibility, and identifies the legal problems of FRLS's clients within a specific area of law and provides clients with appropriate legal assistance in the form of advice, referrals, or actual representation.
  2. Participates in community outreach and education.
  3. Represents clients in court and before administrative agencies as accepted.
  4. Provides documentation, statistical information and other records as required by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director, or Executive Director.
  5. Participates in case acceptance meetings.
  6. Participates in training to keep up CLE's and required and legally relevant training as may be provided by the program and as mandated by Florida Bar rules.
  7. Adheres to office hours, exhibits a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills, communicates, and treats clients and staff with courtesy and respect, provides constructive feedback to other advocates (paralegals) on cases discussed.
  8. Serves as a role model to support staff by promoting the values of hard work, high quality advocacy and treating others with courtesy and respect.
  9. Attempts to ensure accessibility of the local office(s) when necessary, by serving clients, including rural clients, non-English speaking clients and client with disabilities.
  10. Promotes good relations with the public, including client groups, service providers, press, and private bars, attending/speaking at local meetings as appropriate and approved by the Managing Attorney, Deputy Director and/or Executive Director.
  11. Is familiar with FRLS policies, as well as requirements of LSC and other funders, and adheres to those policies and requirements.
  12. Maintains an accurate follow-up system to review cases when needed.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements
1. Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and barred in Florida; or
2. Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Certificate required
โ€ข Candidates must be eligible for and maintain Certified Legal Intern (CLI) status in accordance with Florida Supreme Court requirements. CLI certification is time-limited (generally up to 18 months), and continued employment in this role is contingent upon maintaining active certification and taking the first bar exam available after graduation.
โ€ข Current law student or recent law school graduate eligible for CLI certification under Florida Supreme Court rule. If not currently a Certified Legal Intern at the time of hire, the individual must obtain certification before onboarding.
3. Knowledge of State and Federal court practices required.
4. Some knowledge of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
5. Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
6. Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
7. Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
8. Must be able to effectively and efficiently maximize existing resources.
9. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
Knowledge of CMS a plus.
10. Must be able to effectively work in high-pressure situations, which involve deadlines.
11. Bilingual Spanish/Haitian Creole preferred but not required.
Working conditions
This position operates in a professional work environment.
Physical requirements
  1. This is a largely sedentary role, however, some lifting of office supplies of up to 20 pounds may be required.
  2. Must be able to travel throughout Florida, as needed.

Reports
  1. No supervisory duties
  2. Monthly progress reports

Salary and Benefits
The starting salary for this position is $68,000. This is the salary for any law school graduate who has not yet passed the bar. The salary increases based on a union scale and is adjusted upward depending on experience. FRLS offers a very generous benefits package that includes 403(b) with employer-paid contribution; health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (up to 5 weeks of PTO, 2 personal days, and 13 holidays); law school loan repayment assistance. FRLS Attorneys operate in a hybrid work environment, requiring advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.
Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website: HB531 Florida Agency for Health Care Administration