Government Law Internships – Law is a very dynamic field and hands-on experience is invaluable for aspiring lawyers. Recognizing the importance of practical training, the Government of India has established a few year-round paid internship opportunities for law students. These government law internships provide a chance for students to gain real-world exposure, refine their legal skills, and contribute to the legal system of the nation.
The Indian government’s internship opportunities for law students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These internships offered by esteemed organizations like NHRC, Law Commission, NALSA, and NGT, help aspiring lawyers refine their legal awareness, develop a network of industry contacts and make a meaningful impact on society.
Below article aims to shed light on the various paid law internship programs offered by the Indian government, highlighting their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Internship Program:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India offers a paid internship program that allows law students to work closely with experienced professionals in the field of human rights. This program aims to promote awareness of human rights issues and develop a deeper understanding of the legal framework surrounding them.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The applicants must be of 28 years of age as of the last date of submitting the application.
- The students must be studying in 3rd year and onwards of any integrated 5 years postgraduation course (LLB, Masters, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB, B.A LLB, and others).
- The applicants must be studying in 3rd year/final year of the graduation course.
- The candidates must be of any semester/year of any post-graduate degree/diploma course.
- The applicants must be research scholars in any stream.
- The applicants must have scored a minimum of 60% marks in Class 12 and all subsequent courses (all semesters) including the presently pursued courses.
Award:
Selected candidates will receive a one-time award of INR 2,000 and a certificate of participation based on the following parameters –
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Discipline
- Participation in online sessions
- Project presentation & project reports
- Book review
Selection Criteria: The selection of interns will be done by the selection committee.
Apply Online: Interested candidates can apply through the NHRC’s official website, adhering to the specified eligibility criteria.
Voluntary Internship Scheme for Law Students 2023:
The Institute of Legislative Drafting and Research (ILDR) provides an exceptional opportunity for law students through its internship scheme. This program allows students to assist in legal research, analysis, and drafting of reports on various legal matters.
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicants must be pursuing the 4th and 5th year of a five-year integrated bachelor’s degree in law or pursuing the final year of 3 years bachelor’s degree in law from recognised law colleges in the country.
Award: The selected interns will receive a certificate of internship from ILDR on successful completion of the internship.
Selection Criteria: The candidate will be selected on the basis of their performance in the interview.
Apply Online: Interested candidates can apply for the internship by sending an application form with relevant documents through email at – ildr.ld@nic.in or to the below-mentioned address –
Branch Officer, ILDR, 416 ‘D’ Wing,
Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice,
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001
Note – The application form can be downloaded from the official website of the Institute of Legislative Drafting and Research (ILDR).
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Internship Program:
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) offers paid internships to law students interested in social justice and legal aid activities. The program provides an opportunity to work closely with legal aid lawyers, participate in legal awareness campaigns, and assist in the implementation of welfare schemes.
Eligibility Criteria:
The applicants who are pursuing or have completed either a three-year LLB or a five-year law course from a recognized college/university.
Award: Certificate of completion
Selection Criteria: Candidatess will be selected on the basis of their performance in the interview.
Apply Online: Interested candidates can apply for the internship by sending an email to the Member Secretary, NALSA with the requisite application at – nalsa-dla@nic.in with the subject line as – ‘Application of Internship (month and year)’.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) Internship Scheme:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India has introduced a paid internship scheme for law students with a keen interest in environmental law. Interns get the opportunity to work on cases related to environmental protection, contribute to legal research, and gain practical experience in environmental litigation. The duration of the internship is 4 weeks.
Eligibility Criteria: The applicants must be pursuing studies in Law and Environmental Studies from a recognised college/law school/university in India.
Award: Certificate of completion
Selection Criteria: The candidate will be selected on the basis of their performance in the interview.
Apply Online: Interested candidates can apply for the internship by sending a post or by hand in the prescribed format to the office of the Registrar General, National Green Tribunal (Principal Bench), Faridkot House, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi – 110001.
The application can also be mailed at – rg.ngt@nic.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are government law internships?
Government law internships are opportunities for law students to gain practical experience by working in government agencies or departments.
What is the last date to apply for Voluntary Internship Scheme for Law Students 2023?
There is no specific deadline for Voluntary Internship Scheme for Law Students 2023. The applicants can apply for it any time of the year.
What are the benefits of government law internships?
Government law internships provide exposure to legal processes, valuable experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to make a positive impact through public service.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for a government law internship?
Typically an applicant is required to be a law student or recent law school graduate with strong academic background, legal research and writing skills and an interest in public service.