Find the Top Legal Internships in Austin

Introduction to Legal Internships in Austin

The legal internship landscape in Austin is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Internships are available in a multitude of organizations, ranging from corporate law firms to government agencies, non-profit institutions, and in-house counseling positions. The strong presence of state government in the capital city also means that there are significant opportunities in public sector law for aspiring legal professionals.
Law firms in Austin run the gamut from large multinational firms to boutique practices, and all of them require interns to assist with research, client communications, and case management. The exposure to real cases and clients provides invaluable work experience and insights into the different types of legal practice areas that are available. Furthermore, top-tier firms often pay their interns generously, allowing students to significantly bolster their savings as they complete academic studies.
Interns who are interested in administrative law can seek positions with the various agencies of the Texas executive branch or the state legislative council. These kinds of positions provide a unique look into the workings of Austin’s intricate web of public policymaking. Assisting attorneys with drafting rules and regulations , advising on lawsuits, and performing research into statutes and administrative code can be a fascinating way to dig deeper into the law while honing analytical skills.
A third area of legal internships can be found in public policy, where students often work with non-profit organizations to assist with matters such as medical billing, language access, and access to public program information. This kind of internship is particularly well suited to those seeking a career outside the courtroom, as it combines research and policy advice with matters of social justice. Non-profit legal organizations often work on cutting edge judicial law and are fascinating places to explore the impact of legal change on actual communities.
Lastly, law school students who are interested in business law should consider applying for in-house counsel positions with local corporations or non-profit organizations. These roles usually involve advising the management staff on legal issues, some of which can be unique to the particular organization, while other issues are more universal across industries. All in-house counsel positions offer interns the chance to learn about how a legal team interacts with business colleagues, while also providing experience with industry-based law.

Advantages of Legal Internships in Austin

Pursuing legal internships in Austin in the summer has plenty of benefits for students. First, Austin has a really strong legal market. That means that there are many opportunities available if you play your cards right during your internship. There is always a demand for qualified, motivated law students throughout Central Texas. Interning in Austin gives you many advantages over other candidates down the road. Although we’re not hypothetically there yet, I can assume that Austin Law School will foster strong relationships with all of the major employers in Austin.
Also, Austin has a very laid back vibe that many law students can enjoy. Austin has a really young population that can be very fun. The city feels like a college town and you can feel energized by that. The city, although large, is actually very small compared to other cities in Texas. Interning in Austin is more competitive than interning in Houston but the benefits can also be much greater.

Leading Law Firm Internships

With its bustling technology scene and renowned legal institutions, Austin is a prime city for aspiring lawyers to land internships at some of the top law firms in Texas. In the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin’s legal market is as diverse as its residents. From intellectual property boutiques to large commercial litigation firms, the city’s legal landscape has much to offer an aspiring legal professional. Below, the top law firms that offer internships in Austin, TX:
Haynes and Boone – This Dallas firm with additional offices throughout the state has over 575 lawyers that specialize in over 40 practice areas. With a reputation for helping startup clients, Haynes and Boone is a great law firm for interns looking to practice corporate or intellectual property law. Interns will be able to assist with research and writing and use the skills they developed in school on real client cases.
Jackson Walker – With more than 500 attorneys across seven offices in three states – Texas, Colorado, and Georgia – the firm serves local and international clients in a variety of sectors, including energy, real estate, technology and manufacturing. Its influential Austin office also operates a dedicated white-collar firm that practices criminal defense, regulatory investigations and counseling. The firm’s law clerk internship is an excellent training ground for law students to develop the invaluable skills necessary to become a lawyer.
Katten Muchin Rosenman – The firm is home to more than 650 attorneys in 15 offices across the country. Each office focuses on particular areas of the law, including health care, intellectual property, family law, mergers and acquisitions and more. The firm’s 10-week summer associate program gives students at law schools across the country the opportunity to dive into various practice areas and work with lawyers, both in Austin and at other firm locations. Extra points for those that are sports fans, as the firm has an office on the Charlotte campuses of the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets.

Government and Public Sector Opportunities

The public sector is a little more difficult to pin down as an intern opportunity, but rest assured, there are options. Though not always listed under the general "legal intern opportunities" section of the organization’s webpage, there are often legal opportunities within the realm of government and public sector departments and agencies (as opposed to non-profit entities). Some options to explore are as follows:
City Attorney’s Office – Austin
As the City of Austin’s chief legal advisor, the City Austin’s Legal Department represents the City in numerous legal matters. These can include civil litigation, municipal law, and criminal prosecution. The office is broken down into five unique teams, and offers three legal internships for third-year law students currently.
Texas Attorney General’s Office
The Texas Attorney General, with a 4,000-plus staff of public service workers, takes its role as "the people’s lawyer" seriously. Find internship opportunities across the office, in collections, civil, criminal, family laws, and more.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
The TCEQ is a public policy organization, but also one that enforces environmental laws and promotes conservation of Texas natural resources. Openings on legal teams "provide a great source of experience in water quality law, water rights, air quality law, waste management law, or in oil and gas administrative hearings."
Travis County District Attorney’s Office
More than just a place for county prosecutors to make their start, the DA’s office doesn’t only hire those with a background in public law. They look for individuals who are "able to work in a fast-paced environment and assist in trial preparation."
Texas Secretary of State
Second in charge of the State of Texas, the Secretary of State’s Office manages a number of different departments, including the State Government Affairs and Election Division. They also manage all State public records and documents.

How to Apply for Legal Internships

Applying for legal internships in Austin can be a competitive process and one that requires a careful approach. To give yourself the best chance at landing a position, it’s essential to craft a well-structured resume, tailored cover letter, and prepare thoroughly for interviews.
When writing your resume, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the internship you’re applying for. Be sure to include any coursework or projects you’ve completed during your studies, as well as any internships or work experience you’ve had in the legal field. Use action words and quantifiable achievements to make your resume stand out.
Your cover letter is your opportunity to show potential employers why you’re the best candidate for the position. In your cover letter , explain how your skills and experiences make you ideally suited for the internship, and be sure to express enthusiasm for the opportunity. Just like your resume, tailor your cover letter to the specific internship.
Interview preparation is key to successfully landing a legal internship. Research potential employers and prepare answers to questions about your academic and work experience. One common interview question is "Why do you want to pursue a career in law?" Research the firm and be prepared to articulate specific reasons why you would like to work there.
Be sure to ask questions during the interview too, such as what kind of work you would be doing as an intern. Take notes during the interview, and if applicable, ask if you can connect on LinkedIn or for any additional reading materials related to the firm.

Getting the Most Out of Legal Internships

To make the most of an internship, it is important to be proactively engaged from the start. Interns should reach out to their employer prior to beginning the internship, so they are able to hit the ground running. A current law student or even a recent hire at the firm could help the student determine what materials they will need and what their day-to-day tasks will likely be. This initial research will open the lines of communication to ensure the internship begins smoothly.
During the internship itself, the intern should take advantage of being in a learning environment. They should approach each assignment with an eagerness to learn more, and to accept constructive feedback. Asking others questions, and then being willing to implement changes based on that feedback will demonstrate personal drive to succeed. Young attorneys and mentors in the office will appreciate the effort, and it may open the door to future opportunities.
If appropriate, an intern may want to schedule periodic one-on-one check-ins with the supervising attorney so that they can both receive more specific feedback on the intern’s performance. Internal meetings, such as a "lunch and learn," can be a great tool to gain additional insight into the company on a more personal level, so the intern understands the inner workings of the organization.
An internship experience should lay the groundwork for a long-term relationship so that an employer will come to recognize and remember your name. If the intern feels that an internship experience is going well, they should express an interest in working with the company again. In a competitive job market, most employers are not looking to retain their entire summer class, so the intern should return to school with the mindset that they are competing for a future position at that firm in a few years.
In addition to connecting with attorneys in the firm, an intern could also pursue mentorship opportunities, to learn about what they might expect to happen during their career. Meetings with practicing young attorneys can help the intern feel prepared for the transition from summer job to full-time work.

Insights from Past Interns

"My experience at an Austin-based law firm taught me the value of communicative clients. I learned that when attorneys are able to communicate their needs and the specifics of their cases to their interns or administrative assistants, they become indispensable to the firm." – Sarah, University of Texas School of Law
"As a legal intern, I figured I would only be responsible for content management and organizing files. I never expected to be so involved in the actual work being done. The attorneys I worked with entrusted me with the supervision of witnesses during a deposition. I didn’t expect to gain such hands-on experience." – Jeff , St. Mary’s University School of Law
"I gained a clearer understanding of our legal system by performing research for my supervising attorney. I was required to think critically and to have a solid understanding of the case in general before I could produce anything the attorney could use. Because of this opportunity, I even decided to take a few classes on real property law that helped me fully understand the projects I was assigned." – Marie, Baylor University School of Law
"My internship ended up being more of a clerk position than an actual internship. I worked on several litigation cases and drafted many client documents. Because of this experience, I’ve secured a post-licensure position in a similar firm. I recommend that all law students look for an internship like this." – Doug, Texas A&M School of Law