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Legal Internship information

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$11

$19

$29

How much do legal internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal internship 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 is the difference between Legal Internship vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal InternshipParalegal
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some may have paralegal certificatesUsually requires a paralegal certification or associate degree
Work EnvironmentTemporary, educational, often in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agenciesFull-time, professional role in law firms, corporations, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for training and gaining experience; often unpaid or stipend-basedPaid position; responsible for legal research, document preparation, and case management

Legal internships are primarily educational opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain legal experience, often unpaid or stipend-based. Paralegals are trained professionals who perform substantive legal work, typically paid, with more responsibilities and a formal certification or degree. While both roles support legal teams, internships focus on learning, whereas paralegals handle ongoing legal tasks.

What is a legal internship?

A legal internship is a temporary position, typically held by law students or recent graduates, that provides practical experience in a legal setting. Interns work under the supervision of attorneys and may conduct legal research, draft documents, assist with case preparation, and observe court proceedings. These internships help interns gain hands-on skills, build professional networks, and explore different areas of law. Legal internships can be found in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

What types of tasks and projects can a legal intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a legal intern, you can expect to assist with legal research, drafting memos and briefs, reviewing case files, and attending client meetings or court proceedings. Interns often gain hands-on experience by supporting attorneys with case preparation and conducting preliminary analysis of legal issues. The variety and complexity of tasks will depend on the size and focus of the firm or organization, but most internships are structured to provide exposure to multiple aspects of legal practice, fostering both learning and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Legal Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legal Intern, you need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, often supported by current enrollment in or recent graduation from law school. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is commonly required. Attention to detail, professionalism, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure accuracy in legal work, contribute to team objectives, and build a solid foundation for a future legal career.
More about Legal Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Legal Internship jobs? Cities with the most Legal Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal jobs? The most popular types of Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Legal Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Legal Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,159 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Internship: Legal (Fall 2026)

Contractor

Posted 23 hours ago


Job description

ABOUT NCOSE & INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) exists because people should be free to live and love without sexual abuse and exploitation! If you share this vision and want to help create a culture where all individuals can thrive, then we invite you to join us!

The Exploitation Prevention & Advocacy Internship program enables you to participate in the ongoing work of defending human dignity. Internships offer a unique opportunity to combat sexual abuse and exploitation while gaining new skills through hands-on opportunities that seek to prevent exploitation before it begins. Interns also enjoy abundant opportunities to meet nationally recognized leaders in the field of anti-sexual exploitation and attend education briefings. The program also offers interns an opportunity to investigate their individual strengths and develop new skills.
NCOSE is focused on mass-scale prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and deploys the tactics of corporate advocacy, public policy, civil litigation, and grassroots mobilization to reach this. Read about some of our recent victories here.


ABOUT THIS POSITION:

The NCOSE Law Center, our own in-house embedded litigation law firm, has created and is spearheading the legal strategy and effort to end the sex trade as we know it within the next decade. NCOSE's Law Center is filing groundbreaking lawsuits, providing critical policy analysis of federal and state legislation, building networks of state-level activists, submitting amicus briefs on potentially precedent-setting cases, as well as training and mentoring the next generation of legal advocates committed to fighting sexual exploiters. Interns with the Law Center will utilize their education and training to participate in this work.


*We are typically inundated with applications. We greatly appreciate your patience as we carefully review each candidate and ask that you hold your questions until contacted for an interview.

TERM: September 2- December 10, 2026; possibility for extension: six months or 1 year


RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE*:

Legal interns will work directly with the Law Center team. Interns will be expected to engage in the following activities:

  • Assisting in high level and nation-impacting litigation, including drafting pleadings, briefs, demand letters, and appeals. Researching and drafting policy advocacy documents.
  • Meeting with and being by mentored by the General Counsel and other NCOSE attorneys.
  • Researching and drafting model legislation in connection with sex trafficking, exploitation, prostitution, and pornography.
  • Researching legal questions and drafting memoranda for existing and potential cases.

*Tasks may shift based on the organization's current need and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

**The legal internship is open to law students ONLY**

  • Passionate about opposing sexual exploitation, as well as a passion for NCOSE's mission, vision and values.
  • High levels of initiative, creativity, work ethic, and good judgment.
  • Well-organized, self-directed, and able to complete multiple tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  • A collaborative and team-oriented work ethic.
  • Has and can bring a working laptop and charger.


BENEFITS:

  • Legal interns are offered a small stipend based on their status as in-person or remote.
  • Hands-on work with passionate, talented team members.
  • Mentorship from some of the movement's leaders and in-depth 10-week training on various exploitation issues.
  • Incredible networking opportunities with movement leaders.
  • A creative, collaborative, and inclusive company culture.
  • Opportunities to develop professionally and uncover skills you didn't know you had.
  • Real-life experiences that will provide you with the confidence to delve into your next adventure.

COMPENSATION:

NCOSE internships are unpaid.


SCHEDULE:

This position requires 24-40 hours per week. Candidates must be mostly available during NCOSE's office hours of Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST in order to coordinate with the team. Our team is in the office on M, W, & Th and remote on T & F. Evenings and weekends are typically not eligible for a NCOSE internship.


LOCATION:

This internship is at NCOSE's office headquarters in Washington, DC.

TO APPLY:

To apply, submit the checklist items and complete the questionnaire.

Cover Letter describing your interest in a NCOSE Internship

Resume

Two Letters of Reference

Unofficial Transcript

Writing Sample


Incomplete applications, including those without reference letters, will not be considered.

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About the National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Please visit our About Page to learn more.

You can find impact reports from previous years here.