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- Is it essential to do 3 internships every single year- can I take a break next summer, for instance (have a sibling’s wedding likely some time in 2026). Or is that a big red flag/missed opportunity for the CV.
- NLS requires the first internship (Feb 2026) to be with an NGO. Does NALSAR have a similar requirement? Does it matter which NGO, from the point of view of subsequent internship applications?
- What’s the minimum duration for an internship? Will the entire semester/trimester break go on an internship, or can I hope for a week or two off.
- As of now, I hope to end up in corporate law. However someone told me that internships in law firms are open only from 3rd year onwards and the earlier internships should mostly be in litigation/with advocates . Is this the case? In that case, what would the ideal mix of internships look like for first and second year, assuming 2-3 internships per year? I’m a bit confused as to how many corporate law internships one should try for and when, considering I also read somewhere that 3rd or 4th year is the crucial year for PPOs and hiring, and that it’s almost all over by 5th. Is this actually how it happens?
- How intense is the selection process for internships for 1st/2nd/3rd year students ? Is it mostly references or is there a structured hiring process for interns with interviews etc.
- What’s the difference between a regular internship, and an assessment internship? What exactly are “callbacks” and when do they happen?
Apologies for all the queries, but I’m a first generation law aspirant and don’t know any seniors as of now, so am just trying to understand this a bit better. Thanks in advance.
1- What are the different ways through which a first-year law student can apply for internships? Is it similar to the general experience in high school where internships are found on applications like Linkedin? Or is it the networking which gains prominence
2- Does the recruitment process
Q1. Is it essential to do 3 internships every single year- can I take a break next summer, for instance (have a sibling’s wedding likely some time in 2026). Or is that a big red flag/missed opportunity for the CV.
A1. No. Honestly the bulk of us do like 2 internships, and you can get by even on one internship especially in your first two years.
Obviously, once you reach your third year, it makes sense to try and intern a bunch to find different interests (do you like corporate litigation? do an internship; what about white collar crime? do an internship; the world opens up in terms of choices. That being said, people have gotten Corp internships in 4th year having done one internship a year before, it doesn't particularly matter too much from what I can tell? I think interning less just gives you a more narrow outlook on the possible paths you have.
Q2. NLS requires the first internship (Feb 2026) to be with an NGO. Does NALSAR have a similar requirement? Does it matter which NGO, from the point of view of subsequent internship applications?
A2. Someone from NALSAR will have to answer that first part :p
Does which NGO matter? Nope, although finding an NGO in a field you care about / want to explore can help indicate interest in what you want to do, but by and large it's inconsequential.
Q3. What’s the minimum duration for an internship? Will the entire semester/trimester break go on an internship, or can I hope for a week or two off.
A3. Haha the trimester break is unfortunately usually a month, so you're interning the whole time but every once in a while we get a 5 week break which means you intern for a month and spend a week at home.
Q4. As of now, I hope to end up in corporate law. However someone told me that internships in law firms are open only from 3rd year onwards and the earlier internships should mostly be in litigation/with advocates . Is this the case? In that case, what would the ideal mix of internships look like for first and second year, assuming 2-3 internships per year? I’m a bit confused as to how many corporate law internships one should try for and when, considering I also read somewhere that 3rd or 4th year is the crucial year for PPOs and hiring, and that it’s almost all over by 5th. Is this actually how it happens?
A4. Yep. (Corporate) Law firms tend to entertain applications (without connections) from late-3rd year onwards.
What does an ideal mix of internships look like? depends on you. Corp firms know they have to teach you from scratch regardless, use internships to explore things you are interested in. You can tie this into corp - ex: interning with a lawyer that takes on corporate litigation matters in your 2nd/3rd year but don't sweat it.
"I’m a bit confused as to how many corporate law internships one should try for and when, considering I also read somewhere that 3rd or 4th year is the crucial year for PPOs and hiring, and that it’s almost all over by 5th. Is this actually how it happens?"
Haha don't stress about this before you've even reached campus for the first time lol - applications to corp firms at universities is mostly done through RCCs (Recruitment committee that gets set up in every batch). You are not getting a PPO in your 3rd year. Point-blank, chances are you haven't even finished the corporate law-2 course yet. 4th years is when PPOs really take off and a few offers can be made in 5th year. You also have Day 0 right at the start of 5th year, where firms come to the campus to hire.
Q5. How intense is the selection process for internships for 1st/2nd/3rd year students ? Is it mostly references or is there a structured hiring process for interns with interviews etc.
A5. Depends on where you're applying. Some internships are more rigorous in terms of selecting (Project 39A for example), some are a lot more chill (just apply lol, which btw if you are an organisation which does this - ily <3 )
Q6. What’s the difference between a regular internship, and an assessment internship? What exactly are “callbacks” and when do they happen?
A6. This is really only corporate law internship jargon so worry about this in 4 years but essentially assessment internships and callbacks are the same thing. A lot of corp firms like to have a model of having an internship (the first one), at the end of the internship you have the opportunity to apply for a "call back" where you tell them you want to come back to the firm for a second internship / opportunity to be considered for a PPO. If the firm likes you on the basis of internship #1, they will 'call you back' to assess you (Assessment internship AKA internship #2). The assessment internship is essentially still the work, it's just the team you worked with scrutinising you again to see if they want to offer you a PPO. It's common place to do this and a lot of firms require you to do a call back to even be considered for a PPO but some don't (one internship policy FTW).
Hopefully this answers all your questions, another comment mentioned just asking a senior when you go to campus which I would support haha. Most seniors (including myself) have been in your position where we had no idea what was going on, and would be happy to help (If you do end up coming here - best college btw, maybe I'll run into you) for any other worried juniors reading this, worry less about internships especially for the first couple of years and think more about using your time to explore more things! (both in and outside law).
If you want a good job by the end of your course, maintaining a high GPA is crucial. At NLS, aim for a GPA of 4.5+; it should not fall below 4. A GPA above 5.5 will likely secure you a job at any Indian law firm, provided you have a decent CV.
Now, addressing your questions:
1. It’s not mandatory to intern during all three breaks. However, in the 4th year, internships are taken more seriously for PPOs (Pre-Placement Offers). Depending on your RCC (Recruitment Coordination Committee) class and firm schedules, you may need to intern in all breaks during that year.
2. For corporate jobs, NGO internships don’t hold much weight. However, it’s worth interning at an NGO in your hometown to spend time at home while fulfilling any requirements.
3. NLS mandates a minimum of 28 days for internships. Most firms offer one-month internships, though some allow two-week durations based on availability.NLS is restructuring its academic calendar, which might result in longer breaks, but you’ll get at least one break per year even if you intern during two.
NALSAR, as far as I know, offers longer breaks.
4. There’s no fixed formula for securing a PPO. Some students land PPOs during their first 4th-year internship. Performance in internships (especially assessment internships) matters most.
In the first two years, focus on maintaining a high GPA, as it’s critical for shortlisting during placements and RCC internships.
Before the 3rd year, intern with a good advocate in the Delhi High Court or your local High Court.
Day Zero (placement day) is held in the first trimester of the 5th year, though you can secure a PPO before that. Keep your GPA in the top 25% of your batch, maintain a solid CV, and ensure strong basics to increase your chances.
5. Connections can help, but you can secure good internships even without them. Apply well in advance and send reminders. Reach out to alumni and ask for guidance from 4th and 5th-year students—they can serve as your "connections."
6. Types of Internships: Regular Internship: A general internship to understand the work culture and quality.
Callback Internship: If you perform well during a regular internship, the firm may invite you back for further assessment, depending on vacancies.
Assessment Internship: Some firms (e.g., S&R Associates) skip the regular internship stage and directly assess candidates during a single internship.
Finally, as a first-generation student, don’t worry—you’ll figure things out once you join law school. Keep researching, and create a LinkedIn account by your second year, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Trust the process, and everything will fall into place.
All the best!
1. GPA/Grades: Maintaining a good GPA is crucial for a good CV. And a good GPA is not objective rather relative to your batch. If your GPA is in top 25% of the batch, I think that is good. Anything above that is excellent. People often overlook this, but more often than not, you CV itself is shortlisted based on your GPA. And I've people with very high GPA and nothing else in the CV land a very good job on Day Zero. So, focus on GPA.
2. Internships: Internships at T1 firms are most valuable. If you have narrowed down to a niche practice area and seek a job in that itself, try interning more in that area. Other than, generally if you have 2-3 good internships by your Day Zero along with a good GPA, you are going to be a strong contender for a job. This is specifically true in case of NLS or other top law schools where generally there is a higher number of willing recruiters on Day Zero. In case of other law schools, it would be wise to stay in touch with seniors who have secured a job to get tailored information.
3. Moots/Publications/Other Achievements: These achievements show your excellence and differentiate you from your peers. If you get a chance, don't shy away from participating in moots/debates/ADR activities. Participate for the sake of participating and in doing so you'll be able to enjoy the process and gain some experience that may help you later (for example in articulating something in your interview or as an area of common interest betwen you and your recruiter). If you win or secure a good position in any of these activities, it'll be a nice addition to your CV and might help in distinguishing your CV from others. And if possible, try getting atleast one paper in your area of interest published ata good place by the end of your law school course.
These are not sure shot ways of landing a job on Day Zero. I have seen people with a 'weaker' CV get a decent job. And I have seen people witha 'stronger' CV struggle. But tge above elements will, as a matter of general principle, work in your interest. Above all, if you aim to get a corporate job, try getting a PPO as this will save your time, effort and save you from participating in gruelling Day Zero process. In your second corp internship, try getting an assessment internship or if it's already a callback, even bettter. Communicate with your buddies/mentors that you are interested in working there and inquire aboutv vacancy and their interest in hiring. Be direct but not rude/offensive/ or give an impression that you are very needy. Hiring etc is also impacted by hiring pattern in that year and previous year. So all you can do is give your best and hope that everything else goes well.
Don't be very stressed as in the end you'll find that things will fall into place. Just be dilligent and trust and enjoy the process. You'll never get these years of your life back, so make sure that you dont exhaust yourself only in building CV. I hope i wasn't very idealistic and didn't scare you as that wasn't my intention. Be in touch with your seniors. I am sure you'll do good.
All the best!