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Volunteer Legal Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in ... The DOC Legal Division is currently seeking an intern to join the Office of the General Counsel.

... volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in ... The DOC Legal Division is currently seeking an intern to join the Office of the General Counsel.

... volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in ... The DOC Legal Division is currently seeking an intern to join the Office of the General Counsel.

Legal Intern

New York, NY · On-site +1

$22.31 - $26.25/hr

Our diverse and expansive volunteer base provides one-on-one tutoring to students twice weekly, and ... Compile a summary of legal research insights for future intern onboarding or knowledge continuity.

Legal Intern

New York, NY · On-site +1

$22.31 - $26.25/hr

Our diverse and expansive volunteer base provides one-on-one tutoring to students twice weekly, and ... Compile a summary of legal research insights for future intern onboarding or knowledge continuity.

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Volunteer Legal Intern information

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$11

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$29

How much do volunteer legal intern jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer legal intern in the United States is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Legal Intern, you need a solid understanding of legal principles, strong research and writing skills, and current enrollment in or recent graduation from a law program. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, are commonly expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for contributing meaningfully to legal teams. These skills enable accurate legal analysis, support attorneys effectively, and ensure the quality and reliability of legal work.

What kinds of projects or cases do Volunteer Legal Interns typically work on, and how much responsibility can I expect to have?

Volunteer Legal Interns often assist with legal research, drafting memos or briefs, and supporting attorneys with case preparation. The scope of responsibility can vary by organization, but interns are usually given meaningful tasks that contribute to active cases or policy initiatives. Interns may also attend hearings, client meetings, or strategy sessions, providing valuable exposure to real-world legal work. While supervision is provided, initiative and strong research skills are highly valued, and interns are often encouraged to ask questions and seek feedback. This hands-on experience is an excellent way to develop practical legal skills and build professional connections.

What are Volunteer Legal Interns?

Volunteer Legal Interns are law students or recent graduates who work in legal settings, such as law firms, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, without monetary compensation. They assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents, and case preparation, gaining valuable practical experience. These positions help interns develop legal skills and build professional networks that can be beneficial for future employment opportunities.

What is the difference between Volunteer Legal Intern vs Legal Assistant?

AspectVolunteer Legal InternLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically law students or recent graduates; some internships may require a law school enrollment or completionHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer paralegal certification or related coursework
Work EnvironmentNon-paid, temporary positions often in law firms, nonprofits, or government agenciesPaid positions in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by legal organizations to provide practical experience to studentsCommonly employed in legal settings to support attorneys with administrative and legal tasks

Volunteer Legal Interns are typically law students or recent graduates gaining practical experience without pay, often in nonprofit or government settings. Legal Assistants are paid staff members supporting legal teams with administrative and legal duties. While both roles involve legal work, Volunteer Legal Interns focus on learning and exposure, whereas Legal Assistants handle ongoing support tasks.

More about Volunteer Legal Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Legal Intern jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Legal Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Volunteer Legal jobs? The most popular types of Volunteer Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Legal Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Legal Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Legal Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 20% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,159 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Legal Intern

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

470th of 638 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City's evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.
The DOC Legal Division is currently seeking an intern to join the Office of the General Counsel. Under the supervision of experienced attorneys, interns will have the opportunity to review discovery, draft complex legal documents, conduct investigations, and perform legal analyses. Summer Graduate Interns will prepare for and actively participate in administrative court proceedings while shadowing attorneys on active cases. This role demands a proactive individual who can assist in legal research and drafting assignments, thereby providing valuable support to the legal team. Interns will gain practical insights into employment discrimination law litigation and the operational policies of large city agencies.
-Develop legal writing experience by drafting and reviewing motion papers and
research assignments
-Leverage legal research experience by researching discrete questions of law, i.e.,
"Under 42 USC 1983, what must be established to demonstrate that a corrections officer
failed to render appropriate medical aid / demonstrated deliberate indifference?"
-Gain first-hand experience in employment discrimination law litigation and policies
and directives of large City agencies
SUMMER GRADUATE INTERN - 10232
Qualifications
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program in an accredited college, university or law school.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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