About the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice
The Department of Legal Affairs (DOLA) functions under the , Government of India and was established in 1961. The Department is responsible for providing legal advice to the Government and handling important legal matters on its behalf.
About the Internship Opportunity
The Department of Legal Affairs offers an Internship Programme designed for law students and recent law graduates. The objective of this programme is to familiarize participants with the functioning of the Department.
During the internship, participants get exposure to activities such as legal research, referencing work, court procedures, and drafting legal opinions. Interns may also gain insights into various specialized areas of law including constitutional law, administrative law, finance law, infrastructure law, economic law, labour law, conveyancing, arbitration, and contract law.
Eligibility Criteria
Students who are Indian nationals and meet any of the following criteria may apply:
- Students who have completed the 2nd year of a three-year LL.B. programme, or
- Students who have completed the 3rd year of a five-year integrated law programme, or
- Individuals who have already completed their law degree from a recognised college, law school, or university.
Applicants with advanced computer skills such as MS Office, infographic tools, Adobe software, etc. will be given preference.
Duration of the Internship
The internship usually lasts for one month.
It generally begins on the first working day of every month, unless specified otherwise.
Application Procedure
Applicants are required to fill out the online application form and upload the necessary documents.
- Students must attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective college or university along with the application.
- Applicants who have already completed their law graduation are not required to submit an NOC. Instead, they may upload their final year completion certificate.
Candidates are advised to complete the online form and upload all required documents before the deadline mentioned on the official website.
Selection Process
Every month, 50 applicants will be selected for the internship programme until all shortlisted applications received in accordance with the guidelines are accommodated.
Information regarding shortlisting and selection will be communicated through the Internship Portal or via email.
Deployment of Interns
Selected interns will be assigned to officers or sections located at:
- Main Secretariat, New Delhi
- Central Agency Section at the Supreme Court
- Litigation High Court Section in Delhi
- Branch Secretariats located in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru
Internship Locations
Internships will be conducted at multiple locations including:
- New Delhi
- Chennai
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
Submission of Internship Report
At the conclusion of the internship, all interns must submit a monthly report along with the research work assigned during the internship.
The report must be submitted to the Admin-1 (LA) Section.
Certificate of Internship
Interns who successfully complete the programme will receive an Internship Certificate.
To qualify for the certificate:
- Interns must maintain at least 90% attendance.
- The supervising authority must provide satisfactory performance remarks.
This internship is full-time and requires physical presence. Interns are not permitted to engage in any other course or work simultaneously during the internship period.
Termination
The Department reserves the authority to terminate the internship of any intern at any time without assigning any reason.
Terms and Conditions
- Interns must arrange their own accommodation during the internship.
- Interns must report to their designated workplace from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, unless otherwise permitted by the supervising officer.
- Interns are expected to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to departmental employees.
- All interns must maintain strict confidentiality regarding departmental information, work, and policies. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) must be signed with the Department.
- The internship does not constitute employment and does not guarantee future employment with the Department.
- Interns must follow departmental guidance when making representations to third parties.
- The library at the Main Secretariat can be used only for reference purposes. Borrowing books or journals is not permitted, though photocopying facilities may be used.
- If an intern’s performance is considered unsatisfactory, the Department of Legal Affairs may instruct the intern to discontinue the internship.
- Interns wishing to withdraw from the internship must inform the Department in advance.
- The prescribed dress code is formal black trousers paired with a white shirt.
- Selected interns must contact the relevant offices or sections of the Branch Secretariats to obtain entry passes. Those posted at the Main Secretariat should approach the Admin. II (LA) Section for this purpose.
Honorarium
Upon successful completion of the internship, interns may receive an honorarium of ₹1000.
Last Date to Apply
13 March (5:00 PM)
Application Link
The official notification is here.
