Law Internship Programmes in South Africa
Law Internship Programmes in South Africa; Internships within this area of work are not easy, or for the weak at heart. The law can be demanding, but also very rewarding. You have studied for years, now is the time for you to gain invaluable hands-on experience. With the knowledge you can get from an internship in this industry, you can enter the world prepared for any and all situations. If you are goal orientated, motivated to make a change and love big challenges, then this may be the ideal opportunity.
There are many companies that offer young, talented candidates the opportunity to develop their skills. Most of these Law internships range from 12 months to 2 years, there are others that are shorter though and these may be between 2 months and 6 months. The duration of these internships will depend solely on the company. Candidates are not guaranteed permanent placement, but will not leave empty-handed. They will be qualified in their fields, with the knowledge that can’t be replaced or taken away.
Depending on their field of interest candidates may be involved in drafting legal documentation, doing research, interviewing clients, assisting with procedures and even providing legal advice. Candidates can apply by companies, businesses and even corporations within this field of service.
Law Internships Available
Candidates looking to follow this career field has a couple of options available to them.
Fields may include the following:
- Court Administration
- Human Rights Policy
- Corporate Law Advisor
- Indirect Tax
- Corporate Tax
- Employment Tax advisor
- Labor Law Advisor
- Research
- Proposal Writing
- Global Compliance Management
There are many companies that offer internships yearly, some of these companies candidates can look at for an internship, once their application process opens are as follows:
- KPMG
- Capital One
- Allen & Overy
- Butler Attorneys
- Office of the Chief Justice
- Companies Tribunal
- SA Reserve Bank
Law Internships Requirements
Each company has their own stipulations whereby candidates will have to meet their specific requirements. Most companies seek candidates who are between the ages of 20 and 35, who have no previous work experience, and have not completed another internship prior to their application. Some companies may require candidates with a driver’s license.
However, for most positions within finance, candidates will be required to have the following:
- Candidates must be a South African citizen
- Candidates must hold a valid Matric certificate
- Candidates must hold a valid South African ID document
- Candidates must hold a degree or certificate within the field that they are applying for
- Candidates must be fluent in English (Speak, Read & Write)
- Candidate must be able to work under pressure
- Candidate must be willing to work flexible hours, or weekends if required
- Candidates must not have any criminal record
- Candidates must be computer literate
- Candidates must be able to meet deadline
Documentation to include via certified copies may include:
- All academic records
- Complete Curriculum Vitae
- ID document
- All Certificates of qualifications
- Letter of motivation
Candidates with disabilities are also welcome to apply. Candidates may be required to do a pre-employment screening and evaluation. Some companies may do a criminal and credit record check, as well as verification of all qualifications.
Law Internships Application
Law internships online application processes are usually available. However, there may be some that prefer candidates collect forms from their agencies, or contact them via e-mail. Candidates will be able to enquire about their processes on the webpage of each company, or they can call their offices to find out about their specific process.
Please remember to sign the application, include copies of all required documentation as stipulated in the application, and fill in the application completely. No late entries will be considered, so ensure you know what the closing date is, and have your application in on time.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, therefore if you do not hear from the company, you may accept your application as being unsuccessful. Candidates must please keep in mind that most companies do not provide accommodation, meals or transport, they do however offer a monthly pay or stipends.
Law Internships Closing Dates
Closing dates will depend on each company that offers internships within this field. Candidates can find out from their University Career centers about any open internships in this field, or seek current openings in newspapers and online.