If you’re the kind of law student who enjoys solving research problems or writing more than the idea of spending your day in a courtroom, research and think-tank internships might be a natural fit. They are often overlooked in the rush towards firms and chambers, but they can help you build some of the most transferable skills in law, particularly research, analysis and clear writing.
These internships can also provide a pathway into policy, academia and other research-oriented careers. Here is what they involve, why they can be valuable and how to find one.
Quick Answer
Research and think-tank internships typically involve legal and policy research, writing and analysis at organisations that study law, policy and public issues.
They can help you develop strong research and writing skills, contribute to publications and gain experience with substantive legal and policy questions. They are particularly useful for students considering careers in policy, academia or research, although the skills developed can benefit almost any legal career.
To find one, identify think tanks and research organisations working in areas that interest you and reach out with a focused application that demonstrates genuine research interest and writing ability.
What Will You Actually Do?
Research and think-tank internships are generally research and writing heavy. Your work may involve:
- Analysing legal and policy questions.
- Conducting legal and academic research.
- Writing reports, briefs, articles or research papers.
- Gathering and synthesising information from different sources.
- Tracking developments in a particular area of law or policy.
- Contributing to research projects and publications.
- Supporting policy submissions or other research outputs.
In some organisations, your work may contribute to published research or policy submissions, giving you tangible work that you can discuss in future applications.
If you enjoy exploring a question in depth and presenting your findings clearly, this type of internship can offer a very different experience from transactional or procedural legal work.
Why Are Research Internships Valuable?
There are two major benefits.
First, they help you develop research and writing skills. These are among the most transferable skills in the legal profession and are useful in litigation, corporate law, policy, academia and many other areas.
Second, they can provide direct experience in the career path you may want to pursue. If you are interested in policy, academia, research or public-issue work, a think-tank internship can give you relevant exposure and help you understand what the work actually involves.
Even if you eventually choose another area of law, strong research and writing experience can strengthen your profile. Publications or substantial research projects can also give you concrete work to discuss in future applications.
The one caveat is that if you are specifically targeting a transactional corporate career, a think-tank internship may be less directly relevant than a corporate law internship. However, the skills it develops can still be valuable.
How to Get a Research or Think-Tank Internship
Start by identifying organisations whose research areas genuinely interest you.
1. Identify relevant organisations
Look for think tanks, research centres and policy organisations working on legal or policy issues you care about.
2. Reach out with genuine interest
A focused email explaining why you are interested in the organisation’s work is usually stronger than a generic application.
Read some of the organisation’s recent work before reaching out so that you can demonstrate that you understand what they do.
3. Show your writing ability
Writing is central to many research roles, so a good writing sample can strengthen your application. This could be a research paper, published article, academic assignment or another piece of substantive legal writing.
4. Use academic and professional connections
Professors, researchers, alumni and professionals working in policy or research can be useful sources of referrals and introductions.
YLCC ACTION STEP: If research and writing genuinely interest you, identify two or three think tanks or research organisations working on issues you care about. Read their recent work and reach out with a specific note, along with an offer to share a relevant writing sample.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t dismiss research or think-tank internships as less serious than firm internships. They can build valuable research and writing skills and may provide direct exposure to policy, academia and research careers. Also, avoid sending generic applications without understanding the organisation’s work.
Who Are These Internships Suited For?
Research and think-tank internships can suit students who:
- Enjoy ideas, research and analytical work.
- Like writing and explaining complex issues clearly.
- Want to explore careers in policy, academia or research.
- Are interested in law beyond individual disputes or transactions.
- Want to build a portfolio of substantive research or published work.
If you would happily spend several weeks exploring a complex legal or policy question and then writing your findings clearly, this type of internship may be worth exploring.
FAQs
- What do you do in a think-tank internship? You may conduct legal and policy research, write reports, briefs or articles, analyse information and contribute to research projects or publications.
- Are research internships good for my career? Yes. They can build strong research and writing skills that are useful across the legal profession and are particularly relevant to policy, academic and research-oriented careers.
- How do I get a think-tank internship? Identify organisations working in areas that interest you, demonstrate genuine interest in their work, show your research and writing ability and consider using academic or professional referrals.
- Who should do a research internship? Students who enjoy research, writing and analytical work, particularly those considering careers in policy, academia or research.
- Do I need a writing sample? It is not always mandatory, but it can strengthen your application because writing is an important part of many research and think-tank roles.
Thank you for reading!
If you found this article helpful, explore more resources from YLCC and continue your legal learning journey.
