The Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), under the Ministry of Law and Justice, offers a comprehensive internship programme
The Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), under the Ministry of Law and Justice, offers a comprehensive internship programme designed to bridge the gap between academic legal studies and practical application. This full-time, physical internship provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with the inner workings of government legal processes, from constitutional research to the nuances of arbitration and contract law.
Below are the essential details regarding eligibility, application procedures, and the professional expectations for prospective interns.
Programme Overview and Purpose
The internship is structured to acquaint young legal minds with the diverse responsibilities of the Department. Interns receive hands-on training and exposure to various specialized fields, including:
Constitutional and Administrative Law
Finance and Infrastructure Law
Economic and Labor Law
Conveyancing, Arbitration, and Contract Law
Research, referencing work, and court functioning
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to Indian students who meet the following academic requirements:
Three-year Law Degree: Must have passed the 2nd year.
Five-year Law Degree: Must have passed the 3rd year.
Graduates: Individuals who have already completed their law degree from a recognized institution are also eligible.
Technical Skills: Preference is given to candidates with advanced computer knowledge, including MS Office, Adobe, and infographics.
Application Process
The Department accepts applications online through its official portal.
Where to Apply: Applications must be submitted via https://legalaffairs.gov.in/internship.
Required Documentation: Students must provide an application form along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective college or university.
Exemption for Graduates: Applicants who have already completed their graduation are not required to submit an NOC; instead, they must upload their final year certificate.
Selection Basis: A maximum of 50 candidates are selected each month on a first-come, first-served basis.
Internship Logistics
Duration: Internships typically last for one month, usually commencing on the first working day of the month.
Locations: Selected interns may be deployed at the Main Secretariat in New Delhi, the Central Agency Section at the Supreme Court, the Litigation HC Section in Delhi, or Branch Secretariats in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
Working Hours: The standard schedule is from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Interns must sign a daily attendance register.
Honorarium: Upon successful completion of the internship, participants may receive an honorarium of Rs. 5,000.
Professional Conduct and Requirements
Interns are expected to maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
Dress Code: The mandatory attire is formal black trousers with a white shirt and black formal shoes. A blazer is required during winter months.
Attendance: To receive a certificate of internship, 90% attendance is mandatory, alongside satisfactory remarks from the supervising authority.
Tools: Interns are required to bring their own laptop and internet connectivity for the duration of the programme.
Confidentiality: Every intern must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This agreement binds the intern to protect sensitive information both during and indefinitely after the internship.
Important "Dos and Don’ts"
To ensure a secure and productive environment, interns must adhere to strict operational guidelines:
Do:
Follow all instructions and seek clarification when needed.
Maintain the strict confidentiality of all data encountered.
Protect sensitive information and practice good cybersecurity habits, such as using strong passwords.
Report any unethical conduct or security vulnerabilities to a Reporting Officer.
Don't:
Access systems or networks without explicit authorization.
Discuss confidential work matters outside the designated work environment.
Use organizational resources (computers/networks) for personal activities.
Alter or delete data unless specifically instructed by a supervisor.
Completion and Certification
At the conclusion of the month, interns must submit a comprehensive report detailing their assigned research and work to the Admin-I (LA) section. Satisfactory performance and adherence to all terms and conditions are prerequisites for the issuance of the internship certificate.
