How to Get a Law Firm Internship in India — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read

A law firm internship in India — especially at a top-tier corporate law firm — can be the single most career-defining experience of your law school years. It opens doors to PPOs (pre-placement offers), builds professional networks, and gives you practical exposure that no classroom can replicate. But securing one, particularly at a Tier-1 firm, is genuinely competitive. This step-by-step guide tells you exactly what to do, from choosing the right firm to succeeding once you're in.

1. Why Law Firm Internships Matter

Law firms — particularly those handling high-stakes M&A, private equity, dispute resolution, banking, or IP matters — are where the most technically demanding legal work in the country happens. Interning at one teaches you how to research, draft, and think like a transactional or disputes lawyer. More importantly, repeated internships at respected firms build a CV that speaks for itself before you've even graduated.

For students targeting corporate law careers, securing 3–5 quality firm internships across different practice areas by the end of 4th year is the gold standard.

2. Tier-1 vs. Tier-2 vs. Boutique Law Firms — What's the Difference?

Understanding the landscape helps you apply strategically:

Tier-1 Firms

The top-tier includes AZB & Partners, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), Khaitan & Co., Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM), S&R Associates, and a handful of others. These firms handle the largest and most complex transactions and litigation in India. Competition for internships here is extremely high — expect to apply multiple times before getting in.

Tier-2 Firms

Firms like Trilegal, JSA (J. Sagar Associates), Argus Partners, Desai & Diwanji, and others in this bracket do high-quality work and are often more accessible for early-year students. Interning here can be just as valuable — sometimes more so for hands-on exposure.

Boutique Firms

Boutique firms specialise in one or two areas — IP, tax, competition law, arbitration, etc. If you have a strong interest in a niche area, a boutique firm internship gives you depth that generalist firms cannot. Nishith Desai Associates (NDA), for instance, is a premier boutique on technology, media, and cross-border transactions.

3. How to Shortlist Firms Based on Your Interest Area

• M&A / PE / Corporate: AZB, CAM, SAM, Khaitan, Trilegal, JSA
• Dispute Resolution / Arbitration: S&R, Shardul, Cyril, Argus, Desai & Diwanji
• Intellectual Property: Anand and Anand, K&S Partners, Remfry & Sagar
• Tax: Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, BMR Legal, Economic Laws Practice
• Technology & Media: Nishith Desai Associates, Ikigai Law, TRA
• Competition Law: Cyril Amarchand, AZB, Competition Advisory Services

Research each firm's website, read their recent work, and look at which associates and partners are working on matters that interest you — this will inform your cold email.

4. How to Write a Cold Email to a Law Firm (With Template)

Cold emailing is often the most effective way to secure internships at smaller firms and chambers. Even at larger firms, a well-targeted email to a specific associate or partner can open a door that the official portal doesn't. Here's the formula:

• Subject line: Clear, professional, includes your name and institution
• Opening: Who you are and why you're emailing this specific firm
• Middle: Your relevant background, skills, and specific interest area
• Close: Clear ask (specific dates, duration), offer to send CV
• Tone: Confident, concise, never desperate or generic

5. What to Include in Your CV

• Education: Your law school, year, and CGPA (include it only if above 6.5 or as required)
• Internships: List in reverse chronological order. Include firm/organisation name, duration, and a one-line description of what you did.
• Moots and Competitions: List any moots you've competed in, with the rank or award if applicable.
• Publications: List any published papers with journal name and year.
• Co-curricular activities: Relevant clubs, editorial board positions, seminars, or workshops.
• Skills: Legal research tools (Manupatra, SCC Online, Westlaw), languages, and relevant software.

Keep your CV to one page. Use a clean, serif or sans-serif font. No photos, no coloured backgrounds, no fancy graphics.

6. How to Follow Up After Sending Your Email

If you haven't heard back within 10–14 days, send one polite follow-up email. Keep it brief — just a short note reiterating your interest and asking if they had a chance to review your application. Do not follow up more than twice. If there's no response after two attempts, move on and try again next cycle.

7. What to Do Once You Get the Internship

• Confirm your joining date and reporting instructions immediately.
• Research the firm's recent deals and cases before your first day — it makes a strong impression.
• Be punctual, responsive, and proactive. Treat every task as if it's the most important thing you'll do that day.
• Ask smart questions — don't pretend to know things you don't, but always show that you've tried to figure it out first.
• Before you leave, request a certificate and, if you performed well, a letter of recommendation.
• Stay connected with the associates and partners you worked with — a LinkedIn message thanking them for their time goes a long way.