1. What Are Corporate Law Internships?
Corporate law internships provide hands-on experience in areas like:
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
- Contract drafting and review
- Corporate governance
- Regulatory compliance
- Intellectual property (IP) issues
- Securities and finance-related matters
These internships can be at law firms, corporate legal departments, startups, or government agencies (like SEBI in India, or SEC in the US).
2. How to Find Corporate Law Internships
a) Start Early & Build a Plan
- Begin searching at least 6 months in advance (especially for big firms).
- Create a target list of firms and companies that align with your interests.
b) Leverage Law School Resources
- Career services offices often have exclusive listings.
- On-campus recruitment (OCR) and job fairs are key for top firms.
c) Use Online Platforms
- LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and law-specific platforms like:
- Lawctopus (India)
- Internshala (India)
- Symplicity (US)
- Follow company career pages and apply directly.
d) Networking
- Reach out to alumni, professors, and professionals via LinkedIn or personal connections.
- Attend legal seminars, webinars, and networking events.
- Informational interviews can give insider insights and lead to opportunities.
e) Cold Emailing
- Email HR/legal departments with a concise cover letter and resume.
- Focus on why you are interested in their work, and what you can offer.
3. Application Tips
a) Resume
- Highlight relevant coursework, moot courts, legal research, writing, and any business-related experience.
- Keep it one page, clear, and concise.
b) Cover Letter
- Tailored to each firm.
- Focus on why corporate law, why that firm, and how you add value.
c) Portfolio (Optional but Impressive)
- If possible, attach or mention writing samples (e.g., contract samples, legal research memos).
4. How to Succeed in a Corporate Law Internship
a) Understand the Basics of Corporate Law
- Review key concepts: contracts, company law, securities regulations.
- Stay updated on current legal issues (M&A trends, regulatory changes).
b) Be Proactive & Professional
- Always ask for more work when free.
- Be punctual, dress professionally, and communicate clearly.
- Keep confidentiality — very important in corporate law.
c) Attention to Detail
- Double-check grammar, citations, formatting, and accuracy.
- Contracts and legal documents require precision.
d) Effective Communication
- Clarify tasks if unsure.
- Update supervisors on progress without being intrusive.
e) Teamwork & Attitude
- Be respectful to all colleagues, including peers and support staff.
- Show eagerness to learn, even in minor tasks.
f) Feedback & Growth
- Ask for feedback on your work.
- Reflect on what you learned, and document your experiences for future interviews.
5. After the Internship: Turning It into a Job Offer
a) Stay Connected
- Thank you emails to supervisors and mentors.
- LinkedIn connections to maintain relationships.
b) Leverage the Experience
- Add to resume with specific achievements (e.g., “Assisted in drafting shareholder agreements”).
- Mention in future interviews with lessons learned and skills gained.
c) Request Recommendations
- If you performed well, ask for reference letters or recommendations.
✅ Final Takeaway
Landing and succeeding in a corporate law internship requires a strategic approach:
- Proactive search + polished application + strong work ethic during the internship.
- The goal is not just to gain experience but also to build relationships that can shape your legal career.