How to apply for a law internship in Nigeria
You have probably heard it a countless times that the value of internships in the legal profession can never be understated . This is true for the key reasons that it’s the groundwork or should we say exposure to this grand profession of ours and need we say, its always good for the Curriculum Vitae. Whether paid or not ,law internships make up an important part of your career story as it allows for you to explore your options and chart your path. So when one of our LegalJobbers asked us for tips on getting internships with law firms in Nigeria, we decided to compile tidbits below:
1. Research: Some law firms have periods dedicated for interning while some have an all year round internship programme, doing a bit of research will let you know the best time to send in your applications. We always recommend at least three months before your intended start date. Its okay to apply to the magic law firms or multinational companies but also focus on the small to medium size law firms and organisations
2. Networking: Ever heard the saying your network is your net worth. The more people you inform that you are in need of an internship role, the higher the probability that you will swoop one up. Networking does not have to involve physical attendance , you can make use of your social media accounts as a networking medium. Every now and then LegalJobs gets private messages on Linkedin, Instagram or Facebook from candidates asking about internship opportunities .
Target the connections that work in the industry or organisation of interest, send an introductory message, keep it polite, short and precise. Explain that you will like to be kept aware of internship opportunities when available . Every once in a while, check in on some of these connections to remind them of your request but try not to pester your connections, it may put them off helping you.
3. Be Internship ready: We know right! what does that even mean? It is this simple, when we come across the profiles of prospective interns , it is obvious that they are not accidental in their pursuit of career growth. Their grades are good and in their law faculty, they are actively involved in chairing one committee or the other, mooting competitions, capital markets associations etc. No action shows ‘drive’ better than this . Keen interest in the legal profession is key at this stage, no one expects expertise .
4. Tailored Cover Letter and CV: This here is your selling point . Apply the same guidelines enumerated in ‘a lawyers cover letter’ .
No one expects a comprehensive CV at this stage so just highlight area of interests and efforts towards expanding that interest. Cover letter format should entail, who you are, what you have achieved and why you are the best fit for the job. Always ensure that your CV and cover letters are customized and of course look out for grammatical and spelling errors.
5. Follow up : Do not leave your application to luck. Be deliberate, follow up with a phone call or email, its usually better to put a call through. Ask to speak with the Practice Manager if it is a law firm or speak with the Talent Acquisition Manager/HR officer. Be confident but be polite, have details of your CV and Cover letter handy with the date it was sent and to which email address or address it was sent to. Ask when you can call back for a feedback or progress .
Below is a list of Law Firms and companies in Nigeria with internships opportunities
DETAIL offers mentorship, career advisory, transaction opportunities and insight into a unique approach to the practice of law from a strictly commercial perspective. The internship opportunities are offered between June – November each year. Interested applicants should send their cover letter and CV to internship@detailsolicitors.com
Aluko & Oyebode offers various opportunities for students to engage in internship programmes at our offices. We select students for participation in our internship programmes based on academic achievement and excellence. Our interns have the chance to work with various lawyers over the course of their internships, as well as utilise our well-stocked library, state-of-the art office equipment, and other technologies designed to enhance our legal practice. Interested students can send their cv to the link below:careers@aluko-oyebode.com
JBD & Co. Internship : As one of the leading law firms, they are frequently contacted by students seeking internships or work experience placements in our three law offices in Nigeria as part of our commitment to building young and viable upcoming lawyers in the legal profession in Nigeria. They are are pleased to be able to offer a limited number of student placements in our internship programmes each year.To be eligible for an internship, students should meet the following criteria;Currently studying Law, demonstrable interest in Litigation/public interest Law and social justice. You are expected to be results driven, self motivated Law undergraduate of an accredited institution with demonstrable track record of strong academic performance (top 5% of class), and are interested in internship opportunity with us, . At the moment, they take one or two interns per year.Students can forward their enquiries to internship@jbdauduandco.com
Osibogun & Partners’ internship programme offers positions to students and recent graduates with a commitment to a career in law and sound academic achievements. Our interns are given the opportunity to work on selected transactions and learn from our experienced and talented lawyers.A pply for a position today. Send your curriculum vitae and a covering letter to careers@osibogunpartners.com.