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Student Legal Intern Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

All JobsStudent Legal Intern JobsStudent Legal Intern Jobs in Rochester, NY

Student Legal Intern information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do student legal intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for student legal intern in Rochester, NY is $19.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.07 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 are popular job titles related to Student Legal Intern jobs in Rochester, NY? For Student Legal Intern jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Student Legal Intern jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Student Legal Intern jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Student Legal Intern jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Student Legal Intern job openings:
Student Legal Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Legal Intern job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 1% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,610 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Pro Bono Scholar Intern

Disability Advocates Inc. dba Disability Rights Ne

Rochester, NY • On-site, Remote

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Pro Bono Legal Intern utilizes the education, knowledge and experiences acquired during their undergraduate and graduate education.  The fundamental purpose of an internship is to provide the student with practical experiences and an opportunity to enhance skills through active participation and involvement, direct exposure and engagement in a variety of functions. The Pro Bono Legal Intern will work closely with the various Staff Attorneys and staff members to prepare for a career in the legal field.

This is an unpaid internship.  Interns may be eligible for academic course credit with school approval.  Interns may also apply for funding from their school or other available sources. The internship can be full-time or part-time.

Essential Functions

The Pro Bono Legal Intern performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

  • Assist Staff Attorneys with the preparation of legal documents for trials, hearings, and depositions;
  • Attend trials, hearings, depositions, and related events;
  • Provide critical research and feedback to the attorneys for any case, study, or assigned tasks;
  • Conduct analysis on legal strategies for the various programs supported by DRNY;
  • Proofread and provide content suggestions for legal documentation;
  • Provide general legal support to the program attorneys;
  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Must be enrolled in an accredited law school and have completed the law school coursework;
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint);
  • Ability to write and present in a polished and professional manner;
  • Strong communication skills;
  • Must have highest standard of organization and attention to detail;
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities (preferred);
  • Passionate about issues affecting individuals with disabilities (preferred);
  • Excellent legal research skills;
  • Commitment to the mission and vision of DRNY;
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently;
  • Ability to prioritize and manage projects and tasks to meet deadlines; and
  • Able to work remotely with personal internet access.

Working Conditions

  • Work typically performed remotely with the majority of time spent working on a computer;
  • This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones;
  • May have some travel within and outside the state as necessary for firsthand experience.

To view more about our organization, check out our YouTube videos highlighting DRNY?s mission in advocating for the civil rights of individuals with disabilities. Please visit our DRNY YouTube Channel and review our DRNY Press Releases.

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