Interning with a senior advocate is one of the most coveted and demanding experiences in litigation. Senior advocates are highly experienced and often extremely busy, so approaching one can feel intimidating.
But senior advocates do take interns, and a good chamber can teach you a great deal about litigation, often through direct exposure to research, drafting, case preparation and courtroom advocacy.
Here is how to approach a senior advocate, what to expect and how to make the most of the opportunity if you get it.
Quick Answer
To intern with a senior advocate, reach out respectfully and specifically, usually through a well-written email to their chamber or through a referral. Show genuine interest in their area of practice and clearly state your availability.
The work is generally research and drafting focused. You may assist with legal research, prepare notes, read briefs and case files, support drafting and observe advocacy in court.
To make a strong impression, be reliable, produce high-quality work and treat everyone in the chamber with respect. It can be demanding, but for students interested in litigation and disputes, the exposure can be exceptional.
How to Approach a Senior Advocate
Keep your approach respectful, specific and easy to respond to. Senior advocates and their chambers are often very busy, so your communication should be brief and clearly tailored to them.
- Write a short, specific email. Mention their area of practice, give one genuine reason you want to learn from them and clearly state your availability.
- Use referrals where possible. An introduction from a senior, professor, former intern or someone connected to the chamber can help.
- Respect the gatekeepers. A junior, clerk or chamber staff member may handle internship requests. Treat them with the same courtesy and professionalism.
- Be patient and follow up once. Busy chambers may take time to respond or may accept interns based on their workload. A polite follow-up is appropriate.
What to Expect in the Chamber
The work is typically research-heavy and intellectually demanding. You may research points of law, help prepare drafts and notes, read briefs and case files, and assist with ongoing matters.
One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to observe how an experienced advocate prepares and presents arguments in court. Seeing advocacy up close can teach you things that books and lectures cannot.
Be prepared for high standards, a fast pace and potentially long or unpredictable hours around hearings and deadlines. The experience can be intense, but the learning can be substantial.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Identify two or three senior advocates whose areas of practice genuinely interest you. Find one specific aspect of their work that interests you and use it in a short, respectful email stating your availability. A tailored request is much stronger than a generic internship email.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t send the same generic “I want to work under your esteemed guidance” email to dozens of senior advocates. It is unlikely to stand out for the right reasons. Don’t let the seniority of the lawyer intimidate you into never reaching out. And once you are in the chamber, don’t become casual or careless simply because the environment feels informal. Every task is an opportunity to build trust.
How to Make a Great Impression
If you get the opportunity, focus on the basics and do them exceptionally well:
- Produce accurate, clear and usable work.
- Meet deadlines and be punctual.
- Take court observation seriously and actively learn from it.
- Ask thoughtful questions when appropriate.
- Be humble and willing to learn.
- Treat everyone in the chamber with respect.
- Take responsibility for the tasks assigned to you.
A senior advocate who is impressed by your work can become a valuable reference, mentor or professional connection. Treat the internship as an opportunity to learn, not simply as a prestigious name to add to your CV.
Who Is It Suited For?
Interning with a senior advocate can be particularly useful for students interested in:
- Litigation
- Dispute resolution
- Arbitration
- Advocacy
- Constitutional or commercial litigation
It is best suited to students who are genuinely interested in litigation and willing to work in a demanding environment.
If courtrooms, legal arguments and case preparation genuinely excite you, few internships can provide the same kind of direct exposure to high-level advocacy.
FAQs
- How do I approach a senior advocate for an internship? Send a short, respectful and specific email to their chamber or seek a referral. Mention why their work interests you and clearly state your availability.
- What do you do while interning with a senior advocate? You may conduct legal research, help with drafting, read briefs and case files, prepare notes and observe court proceedings.
- Are senior advocate internships hard to get? They can be competitive, but respectful outreach, relevant preparation and referrals can improve your chances. Do not assume that you have no chance simply because the advocate is senior.
- How do I impress in a senior advocate’s chamber? Produce accurate and usable work, meet deadlines, be reliable, observe court proceedings actively, ask thoughtful questions and treat everyone in the chamber respectfully.
- Who should intern with a senior advocate? Students genuinely interested in litigation, disputes and advocacy who are prepared for high standards, substantial research and a potentially demanding pace.
Thank you for reading!
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