Is it too late in the year for students to find legal internships?

Finding a legal internship can seem challenging for college and university students, especially as the calendar year progresses from winter to spring to summer. This article offers valuable insights from industry experts on legal internships, even when time appears to be running out.

• Proactively Create Legal Internship Opportunities
• Seek Flexible Roles in Smaller Firms
• Craft Targeted Outreach for Legal Positions
• Leverage Initiative to Secure Late Internships
• Explore Year-Round Legal Experience Options
• Persistence Opens Doors in Legal Field
• Propose Valuable Projects to Law Firms
• Embrace Flexibility in Legal Internship Search
• Target Smaller Firms for Late Opportunities
• Showcase Initiative in Legal Internship Hunt
• Pursue Non-Traditional Legal Experience Paths
• Tap Into Diverse Legal Internship Options
• Seize Opportunities in Personal Injury Law
• Network Strategically for Legal Internships
• Explore Community Legal Centers for Internships
• Reach Out Directly to Criminal Defense Firms

Proactively Create Legal Internship Opportunities

If you’re being proactive, most firms aren’t running polished internship programs. Many legal internships don’t really exist until the right person shows up. So you can’t wait for law firms to post something on your school’s job board. You just have to reach out directly.

Instead of asking them if they’re hiring, state that you’re interested and tell them what kind of work you’d be good at helping them with. Lean into your niche. If it’s a personal injury firm, tell them that you’re good at reviewing medical records and creating summaries for injury or malpractice cases. Or maybe you’d like to start smaller and help organize discovery documents or draft demand letters. Timing isn’t the barrier, but initiative is.

Alex Freeburg, Owner, Freeburg Law

Seek Flexible Roles in Smaller Firms

It’s not too late, but students need to move quickly and be strategic about where they apply. Large firms usually secure hires early, but small firms, non-profits, and solo practitioners often post openings later or hire on a rolling basis. Government and public interest roles also tend to finalize decisions into spring or even summer.

I’ve seen students find internships as late as July. You can also choose to assist on a project instead of requesting a full internship. At this stage, don’t fixate on pay. Instead, focus on gaining experience, mentorship, and a professional reference.

If you present yourself as prepared, a last-minute internship could develop into an opportunity long after the summer.

Riley Beam, Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.

Craft Targeted Outreach for Legal Positions

Many believe it is too late in the year to secure an internship with a good law firm, but as an attorney, I can confidently say it’s absolutely not.

The bigger firms tend to wrap up their summer hiring early, but that’s only a single piece of the puzzle. Smaller firms and solo practitioners don’t usually follow strict deadlines. Many of them hire on a rolling basis, and some may even hire when a specific need arises, regardless of whether it’s fall, summer, or spring. Do keep in mind that if you are seeking an internship solely for academic credits, these opportunities tend to have more flexible deadlines.

There is no denying that it’s late in the year, but the doors are not closed. What you should focus on now is networking and being proactive. Reach out to your network, ask alumni, and send out cold emails to smaller firms (even if they are not advertising internships at the moment). Your key focus should be on showing initiative, so be clear in your outreach about your availability and the value that you bring to the table.

If you are really stuck, head over to your university’s career services office, especially if there is a pre-law advisor, and ask for assistance. That’s why they are there: to help you find opportunities. They often have the inside track on who is taking late internship admissions.

What it comes down to is that there are always opportunities if you are willing to look for them and if you know how to ask.

Martin Gasparian, Attorney and Owner, Maison Law

Leverage Initiative to Secure Late Internships

It’s not too late. In law, things don’t always follow a strict calendar. While some of the larger firms might have already filled their summer positions, many smaller practices, solo lawyers, and nonprofits are still looking. Many of them bring people on as needed, rather than months in advance.

One effective approach is to simply reach out. Don’t wait for a job listing. Email someone whose work you admire. Inform them about what you’re studying, what interests you, and inquire if there’s any opportunity to get involved. This kind of initiative is highly valued in the legal field.

Remember, internships don’t have to be at a law firm to be valuable. Legal aid groups, advocacy organizations, and even city or county offices can provide excellent experience. What matters most is showing up, being helpful, and learning as much as you can. You don’t need the perfect internship; you just need a place to start.

Mark Sadaka, Founder, Sadaka Law

Explore Year-Round Legal Experience Options

It’s definitely not too late in the year to find a legal internship. While many large firms fill their summer positions early, smaller firms, nonprofits, and legal clinics often accept applications on a rolling basis or have unexpected needs throughout the year. Some firms also offer fall or year-round internships, especially if they’re working on active litigation or regulatory matters.

In our practice at Holt Law, we’ve brought on interns outside the traditional timeline when the right candidate reached out with a clear interest and relevant skills. What stands out isn’t timing; it’s initiative. If you’re interested in healthcare law or compliance, highlight how your interests align with the firm’s focus and where you can contribute. We routinely hire proactive candidates even when we don’t have open positions. Even if there’s no current opening, you’ll be remembered when something comes up.

David Holt, Healthcare/Business Attorney, Holt Law

Persistence Opens Doors in Legal Field

As an employment lawyer, I can say confidently that it’s not too late in the year for students pursuing a legal career to find an internship, especially if they’re willing to think outside the traditional summer clerkship model. While big law firms often fill their slots months in advance, smaller firms, solo practitioners, legal aid organizations, and in-house legal departments often have evolving needs and are more open to bringing in interns mid-year, particularly if the student shows initiative and genuine interest in their work.

The most successful legal interns I’ve worked with didn’t wait for postings; they reached out directly with a well-crafted email, a resume tailored to our practice, and a short note on why they cared about the kind of law we practice. One even proposed a small research project tied to employment law developments that helped us and gave them something concrete to show for their time. My advice: don’t aim only for what’s “available”; create your own opportunity by offering value. In law, timing matters less than showing you’re serious, curious, and willing to contribute.

Ed Hones, Attorney At Law, Hones Law Employment Lawyers PLLC

Propose Valuable Projects to Law Firms

Some of the best legal internships aren’t posted — they’re proposed.

By this time of year, most students are checking LinkedIn or campus boards, thinking the opportunity train has left the station. But what I’ve seen, and what I personally respect, are students who create their own opportunities by identifying gaps in a firm’s practice and offering to fill them. For example, one student noticed we weren’t leveraging client education through short-form content and pitched us an internship where they’d research case trends, draft client briefs, and help us build a knowledge hub. That role didn’t exist until they asked, and they got hired.

My advice? Think like a lawyer before you become one. Spot an unmet need. Build a case. Propose a solution. Even if it’s not a full internship, that initiative will put your name at the top of the list when we do need help, and that’s often sooner than you think.

So no, it’s not too late. It’s just time to stop waiting for a listing and start creating a reason for someone like me to say yes.

Kalim Khan, Co-founder & Senior Partner, Affinity Law

Embrace Flexibility in Legal Internship Search

It’s definitely not too late in the year for college or university students to find a legal internship. While large firms often have strict application cycles and summer programs that fill up early, many solo practitioners and small law offices welcome interns year-round. Smaller offices like mine are flexible and agile and appreciate the extra help regardless of the season. I once took on an intern from the nearby University of Massachusetts in mid-July — well after the typical summer start — and she turned out to be one of the most capable and thoughtful interns I’ve ever had, and I still use tech-savvy skills I learned from her. Students shouldn’t hesitate to reach out directly to local attorneys or small firms, even now. Initiative and genuine interest go a long way when you approach a solo practitioner or small firm.

Julia Rueschemeyer, Attorney, Attorney Julia Rueschemeyer Divorce Mediation

Target Smaller Firms for Late Opportunities

No, it is not too late in the year for college and university students to find an internship if they’re pursuing a career in the legal field. While the highly structured summer programs at very large firms or government agencies often wrap up their recruiting in the fall of the previous year, the legal industry is vast, and many opportunities remain available.

For students looking now, especially after the typical summer recruiting cycle, the key is to shift strategy. Focus your efforts on smaller law firms, solo practitioners, non-profit legal aid organizations, or various government agencies beyond just the federal level (think county or city prosecutor/public defender offices, or local government legal departments). These types of employers often have more flexible hiring timelines and may not even post formal internship listings until closer to when they need help. 

Being proactive with direct outreach, leveraging university career services, and networking are crucial steps. Many are also open to part-time internships during the academic year, or even remote arrangements, which opens up more possibilities. It’s about being resourceful and targeting opportunities that value immediate support over a rigid application schedule.

Andrew Hope, Attorney & Founder, Hope Law Firm

Showcase Initiative in Legal Internship Hunt

Summer may be the most common season for internships, but many PI (Personal Injury) firms are still hiring into June and July, especially if a student is flexible on hours. We’re constantly managing discovery, medical record reviews, and client intake — interns can get real, hands-on experience. It’s not too late. Students just need to follow up with smaller firms and be clear about their willingness to learn quickly and contribute wherever needed.

Loren Schwartz, Attorney, Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn

Pursue Non-Traditional Legal Experience Paths

It’s not too late for college or university students to find a legal internship, even mid-year or during the summer months. Many smaller firms take a more flexible approach to hiring interns based on workload and case volume rather than strict academic calendars. Students who reach out directly, express genuine interest in the type of law we practice, and show a willingness to learn often stand out. Persistence, professionalism, and a proactive mindset can open doors — sometimes even more easily later in the season when firms realize they could use an extra set of hands.

Brian Laule, Partner, Attorney, Bye, Goff & Rohde

Tap Into Diverse Legal Internship Options

It’s not too late. Most students think internships only happen on a fixed academic timeline. That’s false in criminal defense. I’ve brought in interns in June, August, and even mid-semester. Timing matters less than your effort and fit.

Large firms plan months ahead. They want polished applications and a tight timeline. Smaller firms, especially those in defense work, hire based on need and availability. We’re in court constantly. Cases move fast. If you call or email with a strong message, and you’re ready to work, we’ll remember you.

One summer, a student emailed me out of the blue. No career services, no referral. He’d been following a local case, asked to observe trial prep, and was willing to handle office tasks. He ended up sitting in on felony trials and preparing evidence logs. That initiative beats any deadline.

If you’re serious about criminal law, don’t wait for listings. Look up firms handling the cases that interest you. Ask to observe a hearing. Be specific in your outreach. I see too many vague emails from students who copied a template. Show that you’ve done the work. Know the types of cases we take. Make it clear why this field, not law in general, interests you.

Internships are still out there. But no one’s going to hand them to you now. You need to ask directly, follow up, and stay persistent. Most won’t. That’s why the few who do stand out.

Steven Rodemer, Owner and Attorney, Law Office of Rodemer & Kane DUI And Criminal Defense Attorney

Seize Opportunities in Personal Injury Law

Many students worry that if they haven’t secured a legal internship by June, the window has closed. The reality is more nuanced. While large law firms typically fill their structured summer student or articling positions months in advance, plenty of opportunities remain — if you know where to look and are willing to be flexible.

Smaller firms, sole practitioners, legal clinics, public interest organizations, and corporate legal departments often hire interns on a rolling basis or in response to emerging needs. These roles may not be as prominently advertised, which is why relationship-building and proactive outreach become crucial at this stage.

Additionally, the legal field values demonstrated initiative. Students who secure alternative legal experiences — such as research assistantships, court shadowing, compliance roles, or contributing to pro bono projects — can still build impressive resumes even if they didn’t land a formal internship by the typical deadlines.

We recently worked with a third-year undergraduate student eyeing law school who approached us in late May, concerned that she’d missed her shot at gaining legal experience for the summer. We helped her pivot her search toward community legal aid organizations and smaller firms. By mid-July, she was assisting a local immigration law office — an experience that ended up becoming a powerful differentiator on her law school applications.

A 2024 NALP (National Association for Law Placement) report indicates that while the largest firms (100+ lawyers) fill most summer positions by February-March, nearly 45% of smaller firms and public sector legal employers continue to hire interns through June and July. Moreover, research from Thomson Reuters Institute highlights that the demand for legal support roles and internships is growing year-round, particularly in niche and emerging practice areas.

No — it is not too late for legal internships, though your tactics must shift. Beyond big firms, many rich opportunities exist with smaller practices and public interest organizations. Late-stage applicants should lean heavily on personal connections, informational interviews, and targeted outreach. At Mindful Career, we regularly guide clients to meaningful legal experience even well into the summer. The key is to stay agile, persistent, and open to non-traditional pathways, which often lead to the most rewarding professional growth.

Miriam Groom, CEO, Mindful Career Inc., Mindful Career Coaching

Network Strategically for Legal Internships

Is it too late for law internships? Absolutely not. After 50+ years of practicing law and building The Rothenberg Law Firm from the ground up, I’ve learned that legal hiring doesn’t always follow academic calendars. We’ve brought on talented interns year-round when cases demand additional support.

Personal injury firms like mine often have fluctuating caseloads that create mid-year opportunities. When we’re preparing for major trials or handling complex catastrophic injury cases, we need sharp minds regardless of the season. Some of our most successful hires started with “off-cycle” internships.

Consider reaching out directly to attorneys who share your values. Our firm prioritizes compassion and grit — qualities that aren’t seasonal. When we brought on a last-minute summer intern who demonstrated exceptional client empathy during a difficult wrongful death case, we created a permanent position.

Look beyond traditional channels, too. I’ve lectured at Temple University, UPenn, and Villanova Law School, and I can tell you professors often know which firms need immediate help. Seven of my eight children practice law, and several found their initial opportunities through faculty connections rather than formal recruiting programs.

Allen Rothenberg, Founder, The Rothenberg Law Firm

Explore Community Legal Centers for Internships

It’s definitely not too late for law students to find internships, even this far into the year. As someone who founded Nicolet Law in 2007 and built it into a multi-state personal injury firm across Minnesota and Wisconsin, I’ve hired interns and attorneys throughout the year as our caseload demands.

Personal injury firms like mine often need additional help when big cases move forward unexpectedly. Just recently, one of our attorneys secured a $9.75 million settlement for a motorcycle injury case and another recovered $1.84 million for a dog attack case — these types of major developments create immediate staffing needs regardless of traditional hiring timelines.

My advice: directly reach out to smaller and mid-sized firms now rather than waiting. Our firm is family-oriented (my brothers, sister, and even my mom work with us), and we value initiative over perfect timing. Small firms appreciate someone who shows genuine interest in their specific practice area.

Look beyond summer programs, too. Many of our team members started with unconventional entry points — some of our current attorneys began as paralegals or in administrative roles. The legal field rewards persistence, just like when I’m running in below-zero Wisconsin temperatures — there’s no shortcut, but every step gets you closer.

Russell Nicolet, President and Trial Attorney, Nicolet Law

Reach Out Directly to Criminal Defense Firms

It is not too late in the year for students to secure a meaningful legal internship. Many legal clinics associated with Australian universities, such as the Kingsford Legal Centre at UNSW or the Springvale Monash Legal Service, structure their internship opportunities to align with university timetables rather than the traditional hiring cycles of commercial firms. These placements are often available mid-semester and again in late-year intakes. Furthermore, I have mentored students who began internships in October and continued them through the summer months, gaining hands-on litigation experience while contributing to real client matters in estate disputes.

Some community legal centres also bring in students just before the holidays to cover increased demand. In one instance, I referred a student to a small community legal centre on the Central Coast in late November. That student ended up managing case files for will challenges, observed mediations, and co-drafted letters of demand. The internship began without a formal job listing but evolved into a paralegal role within three months. Students should not wait for job boards to give them permission to act. Proactively reaching out to firms and clinics often leads to more personal and practical opportunities.

Oliver Morrisey, Estate Lawyer | Owner & Director, Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers