Let’s be honest — most law internships end up being glorified tea-making gigs. You spend hours in chambers or offices, just observing while seniors tell you to “read the file.”
But this one’s different.
The Department of Legal Affairs (DOLA) — yes, the same office under the Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India — actually lets you see how legal advice moves inside the government. You get access to files, drafting work, and actual exposure to constitutional, contract, and finance law issues. It’s not a coffee-fetching internship. It’s real legal work.
About the Department of Legal Affairs
The Department of Legal Affairs (DOLA) was set up in 1961 under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
It handles tendering legal advice to ministries, drafting legislation, and managing litigation before the Supreme Court and High Courts.
If you’ve ever wondered who actually writes those official legal opinions and contracts for the Government of India — it’s these people.
Internship Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (Physical) |
| Duration | 1 Month |
| Location | New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata & Bengaluru |
| Eligibility | 2nd year (3-year LLB) or 3rd year (5-year LLB) and above; recent graduates also eligible |
| Stipend/Certificate | ₹1,000 honorarium + Internship Certificate |
| Total Seats | 50 per month |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 October, 5:00 PM |
| Official Apply Link | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Guidelines & NOC PDF |
What You’ll Learn
This isn’t a “watch and leave” kind of internship. You’ll actually work on:
- Researching live legal issues handled by the Ministry.
- Drafting and referencing real documents, contracts, and opinions.
- Understanding how government legal departments function.
- Networking with senior officers and lawyers at the Supreme Court.
You’ll pick up skills that most chamber interns take months to learn — especially government-style drafting and inter-departmental legal communication.
Responsibilities & Perks
Responsibilities:
- Assist officers in legal research and opinion writing.
- Work on contract vetting and file referencing.
- Observe litigation work at the Central Agency Section (Supreme Court) and High Court Sections.
Perks:
- ₹1,000 honorarium on completion.
- Certificate from the Ministry of Law & Justice.
- Access to the Main Secretariat library for referencing.
- Exposure to real government legal processes (a big CV booster).
Who Can Apply
- Indian law students who’ve completed 2nd year of 3-year LLB or 3rd year of 5-year LLB.
- Law graduates from any recognised university can also apply.
- Preference for candidates with computer skills (MS Office, infographics, Adobe, etc.).
Timeline & Important Dates
- Last Date to Apply: 10 October 2025, 5:00 PM
- Batch Starts: 1 November 2025 (tentatively)
- Duration: One month
- Updated on: October 2025
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official DOLA internship portal.
- Fill the online form with your basic and academic details.
- Upload scanned documents – marksheets, ID, and NOC from your college (if still studying).
- Law graduates can upload their final year certificate instead.
- Submit before 10 October.
- Shortlisted students will be notified via email/portal.
FAQs
1. What is the best government law internship in India?
The Department of Legal Affairs Internship is one of the best – it offers real government experience, not just observation.
2. Is the DOLA internship paid?
Yes, interns receive an honorarium of ₹1,000 after successful completion.
3. Will I get a certificate after the DOLA internship?
Yes, on completing the internship with 90% attendance and satisfactory remarks.
4. How to apply for the Department of Legal Affairs internship 2025?
Apply online at legalaffairs.gov.in/internship/form.php before October 10.
5. What kind of work will I do during the internship?
You’ll assist officers with legal research, opinion writing, and case preparation in constitutional, contract, and administrative law.
6. Can first-year students apply?
No, only students who’ve completed the 2nd year (3-year course) or 3rd year (5-year course) are eligible.
Closing Note
If you’re tired of internships where you barely touch a file, this is your shot.
The Department of Legal Affairs Internship gives you an inside look at how real government legal work happens.
Apply before Oct 10. Don’t overthink it.
This one will actually teach you law beyond textbooks.
