ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Student Legal Intern Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Dickinson Wright

Student Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Staff designated at Dickinson Wright PLLC (the "Firm") as Student Intern will join a supportive ... Draft legal documents, including reports, contracts, pleadings, etc.; * Provide legal advice and ...

Dickinson Wright

Student Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

Staff designated at Dickinson Wright PLLC (the "Firm") as Student Intern will join a supportive ... Draft legal documents, including reports, contracts, pleadings, etc.; * Provide legal advice and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStudent Legal Intern JobsStudent Legal Intern Jobs in Reston, VA

Student Legal Intern information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do student legal intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for student legal intern in Reston, VA is $20.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are student legal interns?

Student legal interns are law students who work in legal settings, such as law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, to gain practical experience while still in school. They assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, attending court proceedings, and other tasks related to the legal process. This hands-on experience helps them apply their classroom knowledge to real-world legal issues and prepares them for their future careers as lawyers.

What is the difference between Student Legal Intern vs Law Clerk?

AspectStudent Legal InternLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsEnrolled in law school, often in 2nd or 3rd yearTypically law school graduate or current law student, sometimes with specific legal experience
Work EnvironmentInternships at law firms, government agencies, or legal departmentsLegal offices, courts, or law firms, often more formal
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits for trainingCommonly used in courts and law firms for research and case preparation

While both roles involve legal research and support, Student Legal Interns are typically law students gaining practical experience, whereas Law Clerks are often law graduates or advanced students performing more independent legal work. The roles overlap in work environment and employer usage, but Law Clerks may have more responsibilities and independence.

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

A Student Legal Intern should possess a solid understanding of legal principles, strong research and writing abilities, and typically be enrolled in or have completed law school coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, citation formats, and document management software is vital. Attention to detail, professionalism, and strong communication skills help interns excel in supporting attorneys and engaging with clients. These competencies ensure accurate legal work, effective team contribution, and a strong foundation for future legal practice.

What types of projects or cases might a Student Legal Intern typically work on during their internship?

As a Student Legal Intern, you can expect to assist with a wide range of tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, preparing case summaries, and supporting attorneys in client meetings or court proceedings. Projects often include reviewing case files, helping with discovery, and sometimes observing or participating in negotiations and hearings. The exact nature of your responsibilities will depend on the organization—whether it's a law firm, government agency, or nonprofit—but you'll typically gain practical exposure to real-world legal processes and issues, making it an excellent learning opportunity.
What job categories do people searching Student Legal Intern jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Student Legal Intern jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Student Legal Intern jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Student Legal Intern job openings:
Student Legal Intern jobs near you
Intern, Pro Bono Program (Fall)

Intern, Pro Bono Program (Fall)

LEGAL AID DC

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$2.5K/wk

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description

Legal Aid DC, a nonprofit organization with an approximately $18 million annual budget and a staff of approximately 125 employees, is seeking a Fall Intern to join our Pro Bono Program.


Since 1932, Legal Aid has provided civil legal assistance to clients in individual cases and engaged in systemic reform. Currently, we provide individual representation in consumer law, domestic violence/family law, housing, public benefits, and immigration matters. We also help people with the collateral consequences of their involvement with the criminal justice system. From the experiences of our clients, we identify opportunities for law reform, public policy advocacy, and systemic impact and appellate litigation. Legal Aid also administers the DC Resource Bridge, a single access point for legal services in the District.  


Legal Aid believes that meaningful pursuit of our anti-poverty mission requires an unwavering commitment to racial justice and equity. We aspire both to reflect the rich racial diversity of the communities we serve and to value, respect, and empower our staff and clients to be effective agents of change. For more information about Legal Aid please visit our website, www.LegalAidDC.org. 


Our work is supported through public and private grants and private fundraising from individuals, law firms, and other contributors. 


This internship is for Fall 2026 and will be 12 weeks in duration. Interns at Legal Aid DC have the unique opportunity to receive substantive assignments that will have an immediate impact on our clients. Legal Aid will help Fall semester interns receive course credit for their internships. Interns work out of Legal Aid's offices in NW DC, with the option to perform some work remotely if approved by their supervisor. Fall interns should expect to work at least 12 hours per week.

Legal Aid DC's wide-ranging Pro Bono Program includes, among other things, specialized projects with individual law firms in the District, case referrals to pro bono counsel throughout the District's legal community, loaned associates who are embedded at Legal Aid for rotations, co-counseling arrangements, and much more. 

Requirements

Responsibilities


Under the guidance of supervisors: 

  • Conduct initial telephone screening of individuals seeking legal assistance.  
  • Contact clients to explain pro bono placement opportunities and assess interest. 
  • Respond to written and email requests for assistance. 
  • Draft case summaries for circulation to prospective pro bono counsel. 
  • Conduct or assist with client intakes and follow up interviews. 
  • Assist in preparing for and conducting client meetings. 
  • Observe and shadow landlord-tenant court proceedings.  
  • Assist attorneys in requesting, obtaining, and organizing clients' records.  
  • Prepare case materials for referral to pro bono counsel or other legal services providers. 
  • File, copy, and retrieve documents from the D.C. Superior Court and various local agencies. 
  • Monitor case developments and communicate updates to internal team. 
  • Provide general administrative support. 
  • Attend program meetings, skills workshops, Legal Aid staff meetings. 

Requirements: Current law school student or law school graduate interested in public interest and or pro bono. 


Scholarship Funding


Interns will receive a scholarship of up to $2,585 for the 12-week internship. Interns will not receive scholarship funding if they receive outside funding for their internship, or they are interning through a school program that precludes them from being paid.  


To Apply


Legal Aid values an inclusive, diverse workplace and encourages applications from interested persons from diverse backgrounds of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.  


We strongly encourage applications from people with personal experience with the criminal justice system and/or with lived experiences in the communities we serve.  


Submit your application, cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript or letter of matriculation here. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm EST July 22, 2026. 

Apply