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

Employee Relations Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

$76K - $117K/yr

Works with legal counsel on issue resolution to ensure risk mitigation, consistent application ... We offer paid time off for volunteerism and promote many company-wide and local initiatives that ...

Volunteer Legal Intern information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do volunteer legal intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer 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 is a volunteer legal intern?

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 kinds of projects or cases does a volunteer legal intern 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Legal Intern jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Volunteer Legal Intern jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Volunteer Legal Intern jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Volunteer Legal Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Legal Intern job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,610 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Undergraduate and Paralegal Internship

Rochester, NY • On-site, Remote

Internship

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Intern with us and be part of an organization that values access to legal counsel, so every person is treated with dignity, equality, and fairness!

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester NY provides free or low-cost civil legal services to financially eligible individuals in the areas of family law, housing and consumer law, immigration, education, and Attorney for the Child. Our team helps clients facing eviction, pursuing custody and visitation of their children, seeking a path to citizenship, or need help advocating school rights for their children.


Students interested in the legal field work under the supervision of a staff legal assistant and provide support to program attorneys. This internship opportunity allows individuals to sharpen the following skills:

  • Client intake
  • Document preparation
  • Data entry
  • Court observation
  • Filing


Legal Aid provides a limited number of internship opportunities for college and paralegal students. College students can apply for internships for the summer following their sophomore year.


These are generally available in each unit: Family Law, Housing and Consumer Law, Education Law, Immigration, and Attorney for the Child.


Benefits:

  • Direct supervision and training
  • Build relationships with attorneys and legal staff
  • Attend LASROC meetings and events
  • Up to $8 per day for parking


While we are hybrid, the best experience comes from being in the office, which is required for those who will have courtroom time. We are located in Rochester NY [Monroe County] and do not offer remote opportunities.


Please check the school guidelines if you plan to intern for school credit or fulfill a program requirement. Some school programs may limit the number of hours that can be completed remotely or have other criteria to be considered an internship versus volunteering.


The Legal Aid Society of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against interns, employees, and applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected category.