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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 Aug 6, 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.

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 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 is a legal summer intern?

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.

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.
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Legal Summer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Summer Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,263 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

2027 Summer Intern - Legal

First Liberty Institute

Plano, TX

Temporary, Internship

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

First Liberty Institute’s Legal Summer Internship presents a small group of talented law students the opportunity to train to change the world through the practice of law. Interns spend their summer at First Liberty’s office in Plano, Texas where they will:
  • Assist with real cases on behalf of real clients,
  • Participate in seminars relating to legal theory and practical application,
  • Compete in an internal moot court competition that includes a final round before a panel of real judges, and
  • Benefit from other opportunities for networking with members of the bench and bar, sharpen specific legal skills, and much more enrichment.
Applications are being accepted for Summer 2027. Both 1Ls and 2Ls should apply as soon as possible, as spots are limited. 1L hiring decisions will be withheld pending receipt of first-semester transcripts.
Summer Internship positions require a 10-week commitment mid-May through July.

To complete the Summer Intern - Legal application, you will need the following documents in PDF format:
  • Resume
  • Current transcripts with final grades (unofficial accepted) (1Ls may supplement an initial application with a transcript upon receipt of first semester grades)
  • One legal writing sample not exceeding 15 pages

Apply