How to Prepare for a Law Internship Interview in India

A law internship interview is a crucial gateway for law students and fresh graduates in India. Whether it is a top-tier law firm, a boutique practice, a corporate legal department, or an NGO, the process can be both challenging and rewarding. 

Being well-prepared is not just about knowing the law; it is about presenting yourself as a capable, motivated, and culturally-fit candidate. This article will walk you step-by-step through how to prepare for a law internship interview in India, making sure you are confident, informed, and ready to impress.

Research the Organisation Thoroughly

Before you step into the interview, you must have a solid understanding of the organisation you are applying to. This shows your seriousness and helps you tailor your answers.

Study the Organisation’s Background

• Visit the official website: Read about the firm’s history, founders, and main areas of work.
• Know their core values: Identify their vision, mission, and any social initiatives.
• Highlight key people: Check who the partners or heads of departments are. Look at their profiles on LinkedIn.
• Understand their recent work: Go through news articles, press releases, or LinkedIn updates about recent cases or deals.

Know the Practice Areas

• Corporate law firms: Look at their work in M&A, private equity, or insolvency.
• Litigation chambers: Check the types of cases handled—civil, criminal, constitutional, etc.
• NGOs or policy organisations: Learn about their advocacy areas and landmark interventions.

Research the Interviewers

• If you know who is taking the interview, look up their career trajectory and published articles.
• This helps in establishing a connection and asking insightful questions.

Know Your Own CV Inside-Out

Your CV is your first impression. Be prepared to answer any question related to it.

Every Detail Matters

• Internships: Be able to talk about every place you have interned at—what you did, what you learnt.
• Moot courts, publications, and research: Know the subject matter and your specific contributions.
• Academic projects: Be clear about your role and findings.

Explain Gaps or Transitions

If there are periods where you do not have formal internships, talk about relevant skills developed during that time (e.g., online courses, volunteering, part-time work).

Link Your Experience to the Role

Relate your previous work to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a litigation internship, mention your moot court or research experience in procedural law.

Brush Up on Core Legal Knowledge

Law interviews in India often test your basics. You do not need to know everything, but you must be confident about foundational areas.

Revise Key Statutes

• Common areas: Indian Contract Act, CPC, CrPC, Companies Act, Constitution of India.
• Specialised roles: Prepare accordingly, e.g., SEBI regulations for securities law, IPR laws for IP firms.

Read Recent Landmark Judgments

• Stay updated on major Supreme Court or High Court decisions in the last year.
• Be ready to briefly summarise at least one judgment related to the practice area.

Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Think about how you would approach simple legal problems: how to draft a basic contract clause, issue a legal notice, or frame issues for a case.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

There are some standard questions that come up in almost every law internship interview in India.

HR and Personality Questions

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why did you choose law as a career?
• Why do you want to intern with us?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Tip: Keep answers concise, authentic, and connect them to your aspirations.

Technical Questions

• What is the difference between a void and voidable contract?
• What is the doctrine of promissory estoppel?
• Can you explain a recent Supreme Court judgment?
• How would you draft an indemnity clause?

Experience-Based Questions

• Tell us about a challenging situation during an internship and how you handled it.
• What did you learn from your moot court experience?
• Can you discuss any research or paper you have written?

Behavioural and Situational Questions

• How do you prioritise tasks under pressure?
• What would you do if you are given two conflicting assignments at the same time?

Practice Mock Interviews

Mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare and build confidence.

Practice with Seniors or Peers

• Ask a senior or a mentor to conduct a mock interview.
• Request honest feedback on your answers, body language, and communication skills.

Record and Review

• Record your mock interview (audio or video) and review it yourself.
• Notice if you use filler words, appear nervous, or have unclear answers.

Prepare Writing Samples and Supporting Documents

Some firms may ask for a writing sample or a copy of a previous legal assignment.

Choose the Right Samples

• Select well-structured, concise, and relevant samples (e.g., research memo, moot court memorial, short article).
• Ensure that it is your original work and free of errors.

Be Ready to Discuss Your Work

• Be prepared to explain the background, your contribution, and key findings of your writing sample.
• Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Dress and Present Professionally

Your appearance and conduct matter as much as your answers.

Dress Code

• Men: Formal shirt and trousers, blazer, and tie. Well-polished shoes and neat grooming.
• Women: Formal suit, saree, or salwar-kameez. Keep accessories minimal and professional.

Body Language

• Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit with good posture.
• Listen actively and nod to show engagement.

Punctuality

• Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
• If the interview is virtual, check your technology, internet connection, and background.

Prepare Good Questions for the Interviewer

Asking smart questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the internship and the organisation.

Examples of Questions to Ask

• What kind of work do interns typically handle in your team?
• How is feedback given to interns?
• What are the growth opportunities for interns who perform well?
• Can you share some insights on the firm’s culture or mentorship programmes?

After the Interview: Follow-Up and Reflection

What you do after the interview can also leave a lasting impression.

Send a Thank-You Email

• Write a polite, concise email thanking the interviewer(s) for their time.
• Mention a specific point from the discussion that you found interesting.

Reflect and Improve

• Jot down questions you struggled with or areas where you felt less confident.
• Use this feedback to improve for future interviews.

Conclusion

Preparing for a law internship interview in India is a comprehensive process, involving research, self-assessment, legal revision, mock practice, and professional presentation. Approach each stage with seriousness and attention to detail. 

Remember, every interaction is a reflection of your professionalism and readiness for the legal world. With proper preparation and a confident mindset, you can ace your law internship interviews and take a significant step forward in your legal career. All the best!