Learn how to write a winning internship application for law students with tips on CVs, cover letters, and strategies to secure top opportunities.
Introduction
Every law student dreams of landing that perfect internship — whether at a top-tier law firm, a senior advocate’s chamber, or an NGO. But here’s the reality: for every single spot, there are hundreds of applicants competing with equally good grades and resumes.
So, how do you stand out?
The secret lies in writing a winning internship application — one that showcases your skills, demonstrates professionalism, and convinces recruiters that you’re the right fit. This article will walk you through a step-by-step strategy for crafting strong CVs, personalized cover letters, and polished applications that will increase your chances of selection.
Why a Strong Internship Application Matters
- First Impression Counts: Recruiters judge you within 30 seconds of opening your email.
- Limited Opportunities: Especially in top firms, chambers, and organizations.
- Skill Demonstration: Your application reflects attention to detail, drafting ability, and clarity.
- Networking Gateway: Even if you don’t get selected, a well-written application keeps you in the recruiter’s database for future opportunities.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Winning Internship Application
1. Crafting a Professional CV
Your CV is the heart of your application. Keep it:
- One Page Only (especially for students).
- Well-structured with clear sections: Education, Experience, Research/Publications, Skills, and Achievements.
- Tailored for Each Internship: Highlight litigation work for chambers, corporate law for firms, or human rights research for NGOs.
📌 CV Checklist:
- No spelling/grammar errors.
- Use action words: researched, drafted, argued, analyzed.
- Mention only relevant experiences.
- Avoid over-design — keep it clean, easy-to-scan.
2. Writing an Impressive Cover Letter
A cover letter personalizes your application. Avoid copy-paste templates. Instead, write:
Structure of a Strong Cover Letter:
- Introduction: Who you are, what you study, and why you’re writing.
- Body Paragraphs: Show fit by highlighting your skills, coursework, or prior experience relevant to the internship.
- Closing: Express enthusiasm and invite them to review your CV.
📌 Example Opening:
“I am a third-year B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) student at [Your Law School], writing to express my interest in interning at [Firm/Organization]. With prior experience in [specific area], I am keen to contribute to and learn from your team.”
3. Subject Line & Email Body
Recruiters often scan hundreds of applications daily. A poor subject line may get ignored.
- Subject Line Format: “Application for Internship – [Month/Year] – [Your Name]”
- Email Body: Keep it concise, attach your CV & cover letter in PDF.
📌 Golden Rule: Do not send emails without attachments named properly (e.g., Vikash_Sankhala_CV.pdf).
4. Highlighting Relevant Skills & Experiences
Instead of writing a generic CV, emphasize skills matching the recruiter’s work:
- For Litigation Internships: Research, drafting, moot courts.
- For Corporate Law Firms: Contract review, company law knowledge, internships at prior firms.
- For Policy/NGO Internships: Research publications, volunteering, writing skills.
5. Proofreading & Professionalism
Many recruiters reject applications with careless mistakes. Double-check:
- Email ID should be professional (avoid “lawstudent123@gmail”).
- No typos or grammatical errors.
- Fonts consistent (Times New Roman/Calibri, size 11–12).
Common Mistakes in Internship Applications
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Generic CVs | Shows lack of effort | Tailor for each internship |
| Long cover letters | Recruiters won’t read | Keep under 300 words |
| Fancy CV templates | Hard to read | Keep it simple, ATS-friendly |
| Wrong subject line | Gets ignored | Use clear subject format |
| Unprofessional email ID | Reduces credibility | Use full name email |
Practical Tips for Law Students
- Start Early: Apply 2–3 months before your preferred slot.
- Leverage Networking: Connect with alumni, seniors, and recruiters on LinkedIn.
- Maintain a Master CV: Update regularly, then tailor as needed.
- Keep a Spreadsheet: Track where you applied, dates, and responses.
Example of a Winning Application Flow
Subject Line: Application for Internship – June 2025 – Vikash Sankhala
Email Body:
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
Please find attached my CV and cover letter for the June 2025 internship at [Firm Name]. I am a third-year B.A. LL.B. student at [Law School] with keen interest in [specific area]. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute and learn.
Regards,
Vikash Sankhala
Attachments: CV.pdf + Cover_Letter.pdf
FAQs
1. How early should I apply for law internships?
At least 2–3 months in advance for firms and chambers; NGOs may allow shorter notice.
2. Is a cover letter mandatory?
Yes, it personalizes your application and shows genuine interest.
3. Should I mention moot courts or research work in my CV?
Absolutely — they demonstrate practical skills and initiative.
4. What if I don’t have prior internships?
Highlight academic achievements, coursework, and soft skills like research and writing.
5. How long should my CV be?
For students, one page is ideal. Focus on quality, not quantity.
Conclusion
Landing the right internship is often the first big step in a law student’s career. A winning application is not about the fanciest CV template but about clarity, relevance, and professionalism. By crafting a well-structured CV, writing a tailored cover letter, and maintaining a professional approach, you can maximize your chances of being noticed — and selected.
Also Read
- Offline Legal Internship – Assessment Internship at MV Kini Law Firm (September 2025, Jaipur — Governance, Policy & Legal Research) Apply by: 31 August 2025
- Legal Job Opportunity – Legal Counsel / Senior Legal Counsel at HONO (September 2025, Gurgaon — Corporate, Commercial & Compliance Law) Apply by: 31 August 2025
- Offline Legal Internship at Alliance Law Group (August 2025, New Delhi, Litigation & Legal Research) Apply Now
- Paid Legal Internship at FINJURIS LLP (August 2025, New Delhi, Litigation & Legal Research) Apply Now
