About the Organization
The Department of Legal Affairs (DOLA), functioning under the Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, was established in 1961. It plays a vital role in providing legal services and advice to the Government on a wide range of matters. The department is engaged in diverse fields such as constitutional law, administrative law, finance, arbitration, contract law, labour, and infrastructure laws. As part of its commitment to nurturing young legal talent, DOLA runs an internship programme that enables students and graduates to gain firsthand experience of how the government handles legal affairs. The programme helps aspiring lawyers understand the complexities of public law and strengthens their skills in research, drafting, and analysis.
Eligibility
The internship is open to Indian students and graduates who meet specific academic criteria. Students who have completed the second year of a three-year law programme or the third year of a five-year integrated law course are eligible to apply. Additionally, law graduates from any recognized university, college, or law school can also apply. Preference will be given to applicants with advanced computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office, infographics, and Adobe tools. Candidates must be available full-time during the internship period and should be committed to meeting the department’s professional standards, including maintaining confidentiality and adhering to its formal dress code.
Role
Interns at the Department of Legal Affairs will be engaged in meaningful assignments that provide exposure to the working of a government legal office. They will gain practical training in research and referencing work, drafting legal documents, understanding court functioning, and observing how legal advice is provided on specialized subjects such as finance, arbitration, and constitutional matters. Depending on deployment, interns may be posted at the Main Secretariat in New Delhi, the Central Agency Section at the Supreme Court, or litigation offices at various High Courts and branch secretariats in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Interns are required to work full-time and submit a detailed report of their assignments at the end of the internship. On satisfactory completion, which includes at least 90% attendance and positive feedback from supervisors, interns will be awarded a certificate and an honorarium of ₹1,000.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete the online application form available on the official website of the Department of Legal Affairs: https://legalaffairs.gov.in/internship. Applications should include all relevant documents such as academic mark sheets, a recommendation letter from the Head of Department/Dean/Principal in the prescribed format, and a No Objection Certificate for those currently enrolled in law school. Graduates are exempt from submitting the NOC but must upload their final year certificate. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The last date to apply for the upcoming internship is 10 September (5:00 PM). Shortlisted candidates will be notified through the internship portal or via email, and around 50 applicants will be selected each month.
