Internships Before Graduation: Worth It for Law Students?

As law students, many of us often wonder: should we pursue internships before graduating? 

Some may say students should focus entirely on their studies and only worry about work after graduation. It’s a traditional view:  after all, you’ll be working for the rest of your life, so why start early?

But there’s another perspective: gaining hands-on experience through internships while studying is not just valuable - it’s essential.

For students aspiring to become legal professionals, internships offer more than just something extra to add to your resume. They give you real exposure to how the legal world works, which is something that lectures and textbooks alone can never fully provide. 

Take the Malaysian Legal System for example. While the structure may appear straightforward on paper, applying this knowledge in a legal practice setting is an entirely different experience. During my internship, I witnessed how vital it is for litigation lawyers to have a precise understanding of which court holds jurisdiction and how to file legal documents appropriately. You need to know exactly which court has jurisdiction and how to file the necessary documents. This is where legal theory is brought to life. Through practical experience, these concepts become far easier to internalise and remember.

Another area is Land Law, which is often regarded as one of the most challenging modules among students. Academically, the module focuses heavily on abstract legal principles. In practice, however, it largely translates into “conveyancing” work. Land transactions are one of the most common areas of legal work. While the classroom gives you the legal foundation, do you know what documents are required for a property transfer? Or the actual steps involved in completing the transaction? These are things you only fully understand through real-world experience. It was only through my internship that I got to witness the full conveyancing process. I handled actual documents, followed procedures, and interacted with clients, financial institutions, land offices, and other law firms. Not only did I learn about land law in a more practical sense, but I also developed crucial soft skills such as communication.

Beyond that, internships gave me opportunities to encounter things that are simply not covered in class. That hands-on exposure helped me grasp legal concepts more clearly and made my academic learning far more engaging.

The only practical module I experienced in law school was mooting. It offered a quick glimpse into the world of litigation - from drafting written submissions to delivering oral arguments in mock court sessions. However, it was not until my internship that I truly witnessed litigation in action. I observed the full process: filing court documents, attending virtual case management sessions, and watching my supervisor present her arguments in a real courtroom. It was an eye-opening experience. The contrast between mock court and actual court proceedings is substantial, and this exposure provided me with a much clearer and more comprehensive understanding of what litigation practice truly entails.

Perhaps most importantly, internships provide clarity. They help you determine which areas of law you are genuinely passionate about, and provide you with a direction when it comes to choosing your future pupillage or practice area.

While the gap between academic study and professional practice is substantial, I believe that theoretical knowledge does provide us with the foundation needed in practice. Internships, in turn, reinforce that foundation and prepare you for what lies ahead.

So, should law students pursue internships before graduation? Without hesitation, I would say yes. Use your semester breaks strategically. At Taylor’s University, a compulsory two-month internship is built into the final year of the law programme. Make the most of this opportunity as it is far more than just a requirement. For those transferring to the UK, I also highly recommend applying for internships during the gap months before the transition. This will not only sharpen your skills but also give you an edge in a competitive legal market abroad.

Internships are not just about gaining work experience - they are about self-discovery, growth, and preparation. Take the chance. You won’t regret it. Written by: Lim Ren Ji Elaine Edited by: Chew Qian Ya