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Legal Summer Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ncmec

Intern DEPARTMENT: Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) LOCATION: Alexandria, VA SEMESTER: Summer 2026 Interested Applicants ONLY General Description: NCMEC's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) manages and ...

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How much do legal summer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for legal summer intern in the United States is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a legal internship worth it?

A legal summer internship provides practical experience, networking opportunities, and insight into legal careers, which can enhance a resume and improve job prospects after graduation. It also helps develop skills such as research, writing, and understanding legal procedures, making it a valuable step for aspiring lawyers.

What Does a Legal Summer Intern Do?

As a legal summer intern, your duties are to assist with research and clerical work at a law firm. You may work under attorneys or paralegals, study legal cases, draft memos, and provide other essential duties to the firm while you gain experience with the legal setting. The responsibilities of a summer intern at a law firm vary depending on where you are in your studies. Undergraduates seeking more experience and an understanding of the law may have fewer responsibilities than those who are already in law school.

What is a legal intern in summer?

A legal summer intern is a student or early-career individual who works temporarily at a law firm, legal department, or government agency during the summer months. The role typically involves assisting with research, drafting documents, and observing legal proceedings to gain practical experience in the legal field.

How to find law school summer internships?

Legal summer interns typically find opportunities through their law school's career services office, which offers job postings and networking events. They can also search legal job boards, attend law firm recruiting events, and leverage personal connections or alumni networks to identify internships that provide practical experience and mentorship.

What Does a Summer Legal Intern Do?

A summer legal intern performs a variety of administrative and legal research duties to assist attorneys at a law firm. Law students typically start internship programs after their first year at law school, although some do not begin until after their second year. Internships are both a way for you to get a sense of the industry and practical experience and a way for law firms to assess potential hires once they finish with law school. Your duties are to research cases, assist attorneys and paralegals in preparing court documents, interview witnesses in civil or criminal cases, and perform other responsibilities as needed.

What are Legal Summer Interns?

Legal Summer Interns are typically law students who work for a law firm, government agency, or legal department during the summer. Their primary role is to gain practical legal experience by assisting with legal research, drafting documents, attending hearings, and supporting attorneys with casework. These internships provide valuable exposure to the legal profession and help students develop skills they will need in their future careers. It is also an opportunity for networking and learning about different areas of law.

What is the difference between Legal Summer Intern vs Legal Associate?

AspectLegal Summer InternLegal Associate
Required CredentialsTypically law students or recent graduates; no bar admission neededLicensed to practice law; bar admission required
Work EnvironmentTemporary, internship setting; often in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agenciesFull-time, permanent position; similar work environments but with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed during summer months for training and experience; common in law firms and corporate legal teamsEntry-level position after graduation; used in law firms, corporations, and government

The main difference between a Legal Summer Intern and a Legal Associate is experience and credentials. Interns are usually law students gaining practical experience without being licensed, while associates are licensed attorneys with full responsibilities. Internships are temporary, often during summer, whereas associate roles are permanent positions within legal organizations.

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

To thrive as a Legal Summer Intern, you generally need strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, supported by current enrollment in law school. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in Microsoft Office are often expected. Initiative, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help interns stand out in this role. These competencies are critical for delivering high-quality work, supporting attorneys effectively, and gaining practical legal experience.

How much do law firms pay summer interns?

Law firms typically pay summer interns between $15 and $40 per hour, with larger firms often offering higher stipends or salaries. Compensation can vary based on the firm's size, location, and the intern’s experience level, and some internships may be unpaid or offer academic credit instead.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Legal Summer Intern typically expect to handle during their internship?

As a Legal Summer Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks that provide exposure to real-world legal practice. Typical responsibilities include 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 legal staff, which helps develop both substantive knowledge and professional skills. The work environment is usually fast-paced and supportive, offering mentorship and opportunities to learn about different legal specialties.
More about Legal Summer Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Legal Summer Intern jobs? Cities with the most Legal Summer Intern job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Legal Summer Intern jobs? The top employers for Legal Summer Intern jobs are:
What states have the most Legal Summer Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Summer Intern jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Summer Intern jobs? For Legal Summer Intern jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Legal Summer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Summer Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 13% Full Time, and 84% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,263 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Summer Legal File Clerk (Paid Internship)

Sands Anderson Marks & Miller

Virginia Beach, VA

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
Join our dynamic legal team as a paid Legal Summer Intern and gain valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced law office environment. This role provides meaningful exposure to legal operations and daily workflow within a professional setting.
The primary focus of this position will be file management projects, including the preparation and organization of legal documents for digitization within our Document Management System. The role will also involve assisting with the organization, packing, and movement of files within the file room.
This is an on-site position running through Labor Day with work hours of 8:30am - 5:00pm.
Requirements
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Proficiency in data entry, filing systems, and general office software
  • Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset; an interest in pursuing a future legal career is preferred
  • This position requires the ability to bend, move and lift file boxes up to 50 pounds

Sands Anderson PC is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

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