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Explore: Legal Intern – Public Interest Law Organisation
Brief description of the role
Key responsibilities and day to day tasks of the job
On a daily basis, I conduct legal research on a variety of public interest issues, such as human rights, environmental law, and social justice. I review case files, draft legal documents including affidavits, submissions, and correspondence, and assist lawyers in preparing for court appearances and meetings with clients.
I also attend community outreach sessions and workshops to understand the real-life impact of the cases we handle. Collaborating closely with senior attorneys, I help gather evidence, summarize legal precedents, and support strategic planning for ongoing litigation.
Throughout the internship, I develop a deeper understanding of how law can be used as a tool for social change, while gaining practical skills in legal writing, research, and client communication.
Skills most important for success in this role
Legal Research & Writing: Ability to find and interpret laws, case rulings, and policies, and present them clearly in memos or reports.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing legal issues from multiple perspectives, especially when working on constitutional, human rights, or administrative law cases.
Attention to Detail: Legal work often involves reviewing documents, contracts, or affidavits—accuracy is essential.
Communication Skills: Strong writing for drafting court documents or legal opinions, and verbal communication for client interviews or outreach.
Empathy & Cultural Sensitivity: Public interest law deals with vulnerable or underserved communities—you must listen carefully and show compassion.
Time Management: Managing case deadlines, research tasks, and meetings under the guidance of senior attorneys or project leads.
Understanding of Legal Ethics & Confidentiality: Maintaining client confidentiality and ethical conduct is critical in legal spaces.
Adaptability: Working with both grassroots communities and formal institutions (like courts or government offices) requires flexibility.
School subjects / tertiary courses / required certificates
School Subjects:
English – Critical for strong reading, writing, and communication skills.
History – Helps develop an understanding of societal context and legal systems.
Afrikaans or other official languages – Useful for communication with diverse clients.
Mathematics – Helpful for logical reasoning and analytical skills.
Tertiary Courses:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – The primary degree required to practice law.
Courses in Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, and Public Interest Law are particularly relevant.
Electives in Legal Research and Writing, Advocacy, and Legal Ethics will be beneficial.
Kind of work environment (e.g Office based, remote, fieldwork etc)
The work environment is primarily office-based, often in a formal legal setting with access to law libraries, computers, and meeting rooms. Some tasks, such as community outreach or client meetings, may take place outside the office, requiring visits to courts, NGOs, or community centres.
The atmosphere can be intense and demanding, as the work often involves sensitive issues and high stakes. However, it is also collaborative and purpose-driven, with a strong focus on teamwork, ethical practice, and social justice. Interns need to be adaptable, organized, and able to manage confidential information professionally.
Potential career progression opportunities in the field
Candidate Attorney (Article Clerk) – After your LLB, complete your articles at a public interest law firm, NGO, or legal clinic. >> Admitted Attorney / Advocate – Practice law officially in your area of interest—e.g., land rights, gender justice, refugee law, environmental justice.
> Legal Researcher or Policy Analyst:
Work for think tanks, civil society organisations, or the government drafting legal briefs and advising on policy.
> Programme Coordinator / Human Rights Officer:
Manage advocacy projects, conduct legal training, and support community-based legal literacy programmes.
> Public Defender or Legal Aid Lawyer:
Represent clients who cannot afford legal services in criminal or civil matters.
> NGO Director / Legal Campaigns Manager:
Oversee strategy, staff, and operations for an organisation fighting for social justice.
> Legal Education or Academia:
Teach, write legal commentary, or support clinical legal education at universities.
>International Human Rights Law / Humanitarian Law:
Are there any internships, work experience or volunteer opportunities that would help gain exerience in this field
>Most South African universities have legal aid clinics—perfect for gaining experience working with real clients under supervision.
> Groups like Legal Resources Centre (LRC), Equal Education Law Centre, Section27, SERI, Lawyers for Human Rights, etc., often offer internships.
> Moot Court & Legal Writing Competitions Participate in human rights, constitutional, or refugee law moots to build your analytical and advocacy skills.