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Summer Legal Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Legal Internship information

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$31

How much do summer legal internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer legal internship 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 is a Summer Legal Internship?

A Summer Legal Internship is a temporary position, typically lasting 8-12 weeks during the summer, where law students work with law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to gain practical legal experience. Interns assist attorneys with legal research, writing, case preparation, and may attend court proceedings or client meetings. This internship is a valuable opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks, and explore different areas of law.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Summer Legal Internship?

As a Summer Legal Intern, you can expect to assist attorneys with legal research, draft memoranda and briefs, review case files, and observe court proceedings or client meetings. You may also be involved in preparing legal documents, organizing case materials, and supporting ongoing cases or transactions. Interns often work closely with experienced lawyers and paralegals, gaining exposure to different practice areas and legal processes. This hands-on experience helps interns develop practical skills, build professional relationships, and gain a better understanding of legal work environments.

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

To thrive as a Summer Legal Intern, you need a solid understanding of legal principles, strong research and writing abilities, and enrollment in or completion of law school coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude help interns stand out in fast-paced legal environments. These skills are crucial for producing quality legal work, supporting attorneys effectively, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

What is the difference between Summer Legal Internship vs Legal Assistant?

AspectSummer Legal InternshipLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in law school or recent graduateHigh school diploma or associate degree, some legal knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies during summerLaw firms, courts, legal offices, ongoing employment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as a temporary, educational experience for studentsFull-time or part-time support role in legal settings

The Summer Legal Internship is a temporary, educational position mainly for law students during summer, focusing on gaining practical experience. In contrast, a Legal Assistant is a more permanent support role requiring some legal knowledge, assisting with administrative and clerical tasks in legal offices.

More about Summer Legal Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Legal Internship jobs? Cities with the most Summer Legal Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Legal jobs? The most popular types of Summer Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Legal Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Legal Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Summer Legal Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,263 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Summer 2027 Legal Intern

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Closing Date: 07/31/2026; 5:00pm

Do you enjoy problem-solving and deep engagement with law and policy? Do you want to intern in a collegial environment that provides opportunities to contribute to the legislative process? If so, we invite you to apply to intern with our dynamic team in the Legislative Analysis Division (LAD) of the North Carolina General Assembly. We are looking for law students to serve as Summer Legal Interns for 10 weeks from mid-May to mid-July 2027.

WHO WE ARE

LAD is a nonpartisan central staff division of the North Carolina General Assembly. Our staff attorneys play an important role in the functioning of the State legislature by providing legal counsel and drafting services to legislative committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate. We also provide high-quality legal and policy information to all 170 legislators of the General Assembly, regardless of political affiliation. 

WHAT WE DO

LAD staff attorneys specialize in legislative practice and develop expertise in one or more areas of substantive law and policy. We work with legislators, political staff, stakeholders, and other interested parties from all political parties and across State and local government in a cooperative and fast-paced environment to provide high-quality bill drafts and legal counsel on the legislative process. A successful staff attorney in LAD analyzes, identifies, and proposes solutions to complex legal issues, communicates clearly both orally and in writing, and operates under tight time constraints while juggling multiple assignments.

We work independently while functioning as part of a team in a cooperative environment to provide objective and impartial assistance to legislators, regardless of political affiliation, on a variety of policy issues.  During the legislation session, we serve as counsel for committees considering bills for enactment by the General Assembly and provide legal, policy, and general information to individual legislators. Our job is to help legislators effectuate their legislative intent, and we do not advocate for or against legislation. 

WHAT SUMMER LEGAL INTERNS DO

Summer Legal Interns work in a full-time paid position for 10 weeks with the attorneys and professional staff of LAD to provide legal and other research support for members of the General Assembly.  The General Assembly will be in legislative session during this internship. Summer Legal Interns will work with LAD attorneys on legal and policy research requests for legislators and will assist in preparation for committees, including introductory bill drafting and drafting of legislative summaries. Summer Legal Interns will also attend and observe committee meetings and sessions of the General Assembly to develop a deeper understanding of the legislative process.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Completion of two years at an accredited law school prior to beginning the internship. Individuals who have completed one year of law school are encouraged to apply.

  • A demonstrated interest in nonpartisan State service.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

***NC General Assembly positions are NOT subject to the State Human Resources Act.***

INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for the LAD Summer Legal Intern position, submit the NC General Assembly application through the NC General Assembly website: https://careers.ncleg.gov/.

An applicant must also attach a copy of the following documents when submitting the online application:

  • A cover letter that answers the following questions:

    • Why are you interested in working in a nonpartisan role in the legislative process?

    • In what work environment are you most productive, and why?

  • Resume.

  • Most recent available law school transcript (unofficial).

  • A copy of the final writing assignment for the Spring 1L writing course.  Please include a cover sheet that indicates the extent to which the writing assignment has been edited by others or that generative artificial intelligence was used in the writing process. 

Please Note the Following:

  • The application must be completed in its entirety, including detailed education and work history.

To be considered for the LAD Summer Legal Intern position, all applicants must submit an NC General Assembly application and necessary documents by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Agency Contact Information:
North Carolina General Assembly
Human Resources Office
(919) 715-1210
***Due to the expected large volume of applications we will receive, we will be unable to provide information regarding the status of your application.***

The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) is the bicameral legislature of the State of North Carolina, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The North Carolina Constitution grants the General Assembly authority to make or enact laws; to establish rules and regulations governing the conduct of the citizens, their rights, duties, and procedures; and to determine the consequences of certain actions.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, North Carolina, State Government