Thinking about a career in law? Whether you’re pursuing an LLB, studying paralegal practice, or interested in human rights and justice, a law internship is an essential step on your journey. Legal internships in South Africa give you a chance to experience real legal environments—whether in law firms, courts, NGOs, or corporate legal departments.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about law and legal internships in South Africa, including where to apply and how to stand out in a competitive field.
🏛 Why Legal Internships Matter
A legal internship is more than a box to tick—it’s an opportunity to:
- Gain real-world exposure to how the legal system operates
- Improve your legal research, writing, and courtroom etiquette
- Network with attorneys, judges, and legal professionals
- Decide on your area of specialization (criminal law, family law, corporate law, etc.)
Internships also make your CV stronger and improve your chances of getting accepted into articles of clerkship or further legal study programmes.
🧑⚖️ Top Legal and Law Internships to Apply for in South Africa (2025)
1. Legal Aid South Africa Internships
Location: Nationwide
Who Can Apply: LLB graduates or students in their final year
Legal Aid SA offers legal internships in public defense and access to justice for underprivileged communities. Ideal for students passionate about human rights and criminal law.
2. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) Internships
Location: Pretoria and regional offices
Fields: Law, Paralegal Studies, Public Administration
This government department offers internships and clerkship placements that expose you to legal drafting, court procedures, and justice programmes.
3. Webber Wentzel Vacation Programme
Location: Johannesburg and Cape Town
Who Can Apply: Penultimate/final year LLB students
One of SA’s top commercial law firms offers vacation work to top-performing students. Interns gain hands-on experience in corporate law, litigation, and mergers & acquisitions.
4. Bowmans Legal Internship Programme
Location: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban
What You’ll Do: Shadow attorneys, draft legal documents, attend hearings
Ideal for students interested in corporate, property, or tax law.
5. ProBono.Org Internships
Location: Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town
Best For: Law students passionate about social justice
Work with clients who need legal support but can’t afford it. Great exposure to public interest litigation and civil society work.
6. Law Clinics at Universities
Universities like Wits, UCT, UKZN, and Stellenbosch have legal aid clinics where students can intern and assist under supervision. These internships build your confidence and give you real case experience.
Ask your faculty or student services office for more info.
7. Corporate Legal Departments (e.g. banks, insurers, big companies)
Large corporations like Nedbank, Discovery, MTN, and Sasol offer internships in their in-house legal teams. These focus on corporate compliance, contracts, and commercial law.
Search their career pages or follow them on LinkedIn for internship announcements.
✨ Tips to Stand Out When Applying for Legal Internships
✅ 1. Create a Strong Legal CV
Include:
- Your LLB or paralegal qualification (or current year of study)
- Moot court experience
- Research, writing, and analytical skills
- Volunteer or pro bono work
👉 Use our Free Legal Internship CV Template
✅ 2. Write a Thoughtful Motivation Letter
Your letter should show:
- Passion for justice, advocacy, or legal research
- What area of law interests you (e.g. criminal, environmental, constitutional)
- A specific reason you want to intern at that firm or organisation
💡 Tip: Keep it professional and concise—max 1 page.
✅ 3. Practice Professionalism Early
If you get shortlisted:
- Dress appropriately for interviews
- Be clear and confident when you speak
- Be honest about your strengths and eagerness to learn
✅ 4. Apply Early and Widely
- Top law firms close vacation programme applications 6–8 months in advance
- Government and NGOs post internships throughout the year
- Use multiple platforms to find listings, including GoIntern.co.za
🔍 Where to Find Law Internships in South Africa?
- GoIntern.co.za – Internships across all legal sectors
- LinkedIn – Follow law firms and set job alerts
- Careers24
- Law faculty noticeboards or student groups
- Firm websites: ENSAfrica, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Norton Rose Fulbright, etc.
📢 Final Thoughts
Getting a law internship in South Africa takes preparation, professionalism, and persistence—but the reward is worth it. Whether you’re aiming for the courtroom or the boardroom, these internships offer essential experience that will shape your future legal career.
👉 Start your legal journey today! Browse the latest legal internships on GoIntern.co.za and take your first step toward a career in law.
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